Christopher Nkunku performs magic! France run riot against Israel in Kylian Mbappe’s absence, with a Chelsea player scoring an excellent first goal for Les Bleus

Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea scored his first goal for France, who defeated Israel 4-1 in the Nations League.

Tell me more.
Eduardo Camavinga gave France the lead in the sixth minute with a long-range shot that somehow squirmed past goalkeeper Omri Glazer. Omri Gandelman scored a superb header off the post in the 24th minute, capitalizing on William Saliba’s poor marking.

The Israelis were only level for four minutes, however, as Nkunku held off some would-be defenders before firing past Glazer to restore their lead. Two quick breakaway goals by substitutes Matteo Guendouzi and Bradley Barcola in the 87th and 89th minutes, respectively, added gloss to a game that was closer than the scoreline indicated.

France, without Kylian Mbappe, advanced to the competition’s quarterfinals with a clinical performance at Hungary’s Bozsik Arena on Thursday night.

In his first start for France in more than two years, Nkunku was a smooth operator for his team for much of the night. He demonstrated great strength in holding off the defense and scored with ease. The Chelsea man demonstrated his versatility by playing on the left and in a more central attacking role. His performance will serve as food for thought for Deschamps going forward.

The Big Loser
France were deserving winners, but it could have been very different if Israel goalkeeper Glazer had not made such a calamitous attempt to block Camavinga’s shot. He was also beaten too easily for Nkunku’s goal, as the 26-year-old easily slotted his strike past the Red Star Belgrade goalkeeper.

What happens next?
France, one point behind League A Group 2 leaders Italy, travels to Belgium on Monday for their next Nations League match. A victory over Domenico Tedesco’s side would put them in a strong position to advance to the tournament’s final eight.