France produced a stunning comeback to defeat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. Dodi Lukebakio’s first-half strike had Belgium on track for a first competitive victory over France since 1981. However, Les Bleus turned the game around with a devastating late surge, scoring four times in the final 13 minutes. This win keeps Zinedine Zidane’s unbeaten record as coach intact and puts France on the brink of a quarter-final spot.
Michael Olise was the star of the show for France, scoring two goals and providing an assist. He equalized with a low shot from the edge of the box, then pulled the ball back for Rayan Cherki to put France ahead. Olise added a third goal, securing the win, and scored again in stoppage time. The Bayern Munich winger has been France’s most influential player in the early stages of Zidane’s reign, netting four times in his last three matches.
Zidane’s team will complete their group campaign with games away to Italy and at home to Turkey next month. France hold a three-point lead over Italy in Group A1, with Belgium another point behind. Olise credited the team’s performance to Zidane’s ideas and the players’ hard work. He expressed satisfaction with the win, stating that the first half was difficult but the team kept going.
Italy, rebuilding under Roberto Mancini, moved up into second place with a 3-1 win over Turkey in Bologna. Gianluca Scamacca drilled Italy ahead, but Aral Simsir leveled just after the hour. The Azzurri secured another win at home with goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito. Mancini acknowledged that fatigue affected the team’s performance but praised their ability to score crucial goals.
Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, is back for a second spell in charge of a nation that has failed to qualify for the last three World Cups. He emphasized the importance of keeping the team playing and fighting to secure a spot in Belgium. Italy currently sit in second place, and Mancini is focused on maintaining that position.
In other Nations League matches, Northern Ireland drew 0-0 with Georgia, while Hungary beat Ukraine 2-1. Sweden secured a 1-0 win over Romania, courtesy of Viktor Gyokeres’ seventh consecutive goal in the competition. Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Poland 1-0, and Cyprus edged Latvia 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner from Marcus Edwards.
The results leave France and Italy in a strong position in their respective groups. France’s win over Belgium keeps them at the top of Group A1, while Italy’s victory over Turkey moves them into second place. The UEFA Nations League continues to provide exciting matches and unexpected results, with several teams still vying for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Key points
- France stormed back to defeat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League.
- Italy continued their resurgence with a 3-1 win over Turkey.
- France and Italy are in a strong position in their respective groups.
