![Nations League: Belgium 2-3 France: Benzema, Mbappe, Hernandez score](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/7FBB/production/_120899623_france-index.jpg)
Last update on. From the section Football
France beat Belgium in 2018 World Cup semi finals.
Theo Hernandez scored a stunning 90-minute winner to help France come back from 2-0 down to shock Belgium and reach the Nations League final.
After conceding two goals within four minutes, Didier Deschamps' team looked out of reach at the break. But, a second-half fightback made it possible to meet with Spain.
Full-back Hernandez from AC Milan was the match-winner. He collected the ball at the box's edge and fired home a finish in the far corner, sparking joyous scenes at Turin's Allianz Stadium.
Belgium took an early lead, scoring a goal in the 37th minute. Yannick Carrasco, who had come in from the left, scored a goal at the near post. Hugo Lloris was not impressed.
Roberto Martinez's team doubled their advantage four minutes later when Romelu Lukaku grabbed Kevin de Bruyne’s through ball and fired a stunning shot into the roof.
Karim Benzema scored a goal on the hour mark. He turned and slid a finish into the corner after Kylian Mbappe had laid-off.
They drew level with Mbappe's confidently accepted penalty following Youri Tielemans trip on Antoine Griezmann in the area.
Lukaku thought that he had won the match with three minutes left after scoring from Carrasco’s low cross. But VAR ruled it out for offside.
Paul Pogba had time to hit the crossbar from 30 yards away with a stunning curling free-kick, but Hernandez scored late.
The final will take place at the San Siro on Saturday (19:45 BST kickoff), while third-place play-off between European champions Italy and Belgium is in Turin the same day (14.00).
Marvellous Mbappe in the centre of a famous comeback
France relieved Deschamps of the pressure, having won only one of his six previous games under his leadership. A superb second-half performance was enough to turn the game around.
Belgium should have led in the third minute, but Lloris pulled off a remarkable reflex save to stop De Bruyne from 10 yards.
After some good holding by Lukaku, the Manchester City midfielder hit a volley from the box's edge.
Mbappe was making havoc with his speed and trickery. He side-footed an 18-yard volley, which Thibaut Courtois saved easily.
France was determined to win the game, while Belgium was content to rest, so the French continued and created many chances. Pogba, a Manchester United midfielder, crossed from six yards and had a rasping drive blocked by Courtois in half two.
Real Madrid's Benzema has scored 10 goals this season. Mbappe added a second goal for 2-1.
Griezmann was four yards away, Mbappe was curled wide from the box edge, and the game headed to extra-time. Hernandez scored his first goal for France, sealing a historic victory.
Running out of time for the 'Golden Generation'
Romelu Lukaku's 68th goal in 101 games for Belgium was in vain
Belgium has been the world number 1 side for over three years. However, they are the only team that tops the Fifa rankings and have not won a major trophy.
Martinez's team finished third at the 2018 World Cup. The search for the elusive trophy continues.
It's time for the country's "golden generation" to be remembered as silverware winner. Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld, and De Bruyne are all over 30.
The world champions' second-half collapse will be particularly concerning, as they were in complete control at the break thanks to clinical finishes by Carrasco and Lukaku.
After the interval, they were unable to retaliate and succumbed to the pressure of a resurgent France.