4 years ago
France have started a victorious UEFA Nations League football tournament thanks to a decisive goal by Klein Mbappe.
In their first Group C match on Saturday night, World Cup winners France beat Sweden 1-0 at home and young star Klein Mbappe became the hero. Mbappe's goal in the 41st minute of the game was decisive for France.
Sweden was under pressure from France throughout the game.
Sweden never allowed France to play openly. Anthony Griezmann and Oliver Giroud, along with Mbappe, could not weave a swift attack against Sweden.
Even in the second half, Sweden made several chances to score but could not make good use of them. France were awarded a penalty after a Swedish player fouled France's Anthony Martial during the injury.
However, Griezmann missed the penalty. France's victory was limited to 1-0 after his shot hit the bar.
In the other match of the same group, Portugal recorded a 4-1 victory over Croatia. Defending champions Portugal have made a great start to the second edition of the UEFA Nations League.
In the first game of the second edition, Portugal beat Croatia 4-1 without their regular captain and key player Cristiano Ronaldo. Four different players scored for Portugal as they beat Croatia in a home game.
With the win, Portugal topped Group A with three points. France is also in second place with 3 points, while defeated Sweden and Croatia are at the bottom with no points. Similarly, North Macedonia beat Armenia 2-1 while Georgia beat Estonia 1-0.
Belgium beat Denmark 2-0 at home in their first Group B match. The Belgian squad did not include main players Eden Hazard or Kevin de Bruyne.
Jason Denier scored the first goal for Belgium in the ninth minute. Belgium won the game 2-0 after star forward Dries Mertens scored in the 76th minute. In the other match of the same group, England defeated Iceland 1-0. The only goal scored by Rahim Stirling was decisive for England.
After the victory, Belgium is at the top of the group with 3 points in Group A. England is in second place with 3 points. Defeated Iceland and Denmark are trailing without points.
