Olise Leads France to Nations League Win Over Belgium

Player Michael Olise inspired a late France comeback as Les Bleus defeated Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, giving Zinedine Zidane his first home victory since taking charge.

Belgium appeared on course for a first competitive victory over France in 45 years after Dodi Lukebakio opened the scoring in the first half at the Stade de France.

France, however, produced a dramatic late turnaround, scoring four times in the final 13 minutes to maintain Zidane’s unbeaten start and strengthen their position at the top of Group A1.

Desire Doue levelled the score in the 77th minute with a low shot from the edge of the area before Olise set up Rayan Cherki for France’s second goal four minutes later.

Olise then took control of the contest, scoring in the 88th minute before adding a fourth in stoppage time to complete France’s comeback.

Zidane praised Olise’s performance after the match, describing the winger’s contribution as exceptional.

The victory moved France three points clear of Italy at the top of Group A1, while Belgium remained a further point behind. Italy strengthened their position with a 3-1 victory over Turkey in Bologna, handing Turkey a fourth consecutive defeat.

France had also beaten Belgium 1-0 in Brussels the previous week, with Olise scoring the decisive late goal.

Zidane said he was encouraged by France’s progress after winning three of his first four matches in charge. He credited the players and his coaching staff for their work during the international break, while acknowledging that the team still had areas to improve.

The former World Cup winner also said the two-week international window had provided valuable time to work with the squad and build on the team’s performances.

“It’s encouraging and I’m very optimistic about what’s to come,” added Zidane, after wins in three of his first four matches.

“I’m pleased with the results: we have 10 points, and beyond the victories and the points, what matters most is the satisfaction of having done a good job with the players and my staff.

“It was very important to have two quality weeks. There are things we need to improve, but that will come little by little. We can do better, and we will do better.”

Zidane made extensive changes to his starting XI for the final match of the international window, with only Ousmane Dembele retaining his place from the previous game. Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes both made their France debuts, while Dembele again captained the team in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe.

Belgium were without suspended midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans but took advantage of France’s slow start.

Romeo Lavia split the French defence with a precise pass that released Lukebakio, who raced through before calmly finishing to put the visitors ahead.

Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, also making his debut, initially kept France at bay by denying Esteban Lepaul and Cherki as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

France eventually broke through when Doue controlled the ball and fired a shot on the turn beyond Vandevoordt.

Olise then set up Cherki for the go-ahead goal, with the Bayern Munich winger becoming increasingly influential as France took control.

He added his first goal in the 88th minute after scrambling the ball into the net before completing his brace in stoppage time following another piece of skilful play from Doue