France and Belgium open Nations League campaigns with victories
Zinédine Zidane and Mark van Bommel began their tenures as France and Belgium coaches with Nations League wins. France defeated Türkiye through Kylian Mbappé’s goal, while Belgium beat Italy 2-0. Portugal also won, while Germany drew with the Netherlands after conceding a late equaliser.
France and Belgium began their UEFA Nations League campaigns with victories on Friday, giving new coaches Zinédine Zidane and Mark van Bommel winning starts. France beat Türkiye 1-0 in Kocaeli, while Belgium defeated Italy 2-0. Kylian Mbappé scored France’s decisive goal before leaving the pitch injured shortly afterwards.
Zidane said the victory was particularly encouraging because France had limited Türkiye by pressing high and recovering possession aggressively. Defender Jules Koundé said the coach had urged the team to remain patient after a goalless first half. Belgium’s win in Italy came through goals by Mika Godts and Dodi Lukébakio.
Van Bommel said he was impressed by how quickly the team had adopted his ideas, although he acknowledged that Belgium faced more pressure after the interval and required changes to manage the game. The defeat was a setback for Roberto Mancini in the opening match of his second spell as Italy coach. Mancini said Belgium had been superior in the first half, while Italy had improved after the break.
In Amsterdam, the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany in the first matches for coaches Xavi Hernández and Jürgen Klopp. Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the first half, but Cody Gakpo equalised in the 92nd minute. Xavi said the Netherlands deserved more, while Klopp said Germany had started well but experienced a period in which its processes were not yet settled.
Portugal also won under new coach Jorge Jesus, beating Wales 1-0 in Lisbon. João Félix scored in the 22nd minute after starting alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal will visit Norway next, while France and Belgium meet on Monday.
Italy will host Türkiye, and Germany will play Greece.
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