France secured a 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels on Monday night, thanks to a late goal from Michael Olise. The 24-year-old substitute scored in the 89th minute, gathering the ball in his own half, beating defender Maxime De Cuyper, tricking Brandon Mechele, and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. This was Olise's first goal for France in nine appearances. His goal came after substitutes Olise and Ryan Cherki replaced Bradley Barcola and Magnes Akliouche in the 77th minute.
Zidane's team dominated possession, with Désiré Doué hitting the crossbar early on and Akliouche testing Lammens from a free kick. Despite a bright start from Belgium, France gained control of the game. The visitors threatened only sporadically, with Kevin De Bruyne coming close in the second half and Dodi Lukébakio forcing Mike Maignan into action shortly after Olise's goal. Zidane's bold lineup, which included new faces such as defenders Andy Diouf, Jeremy Jacquet, Pierre Kalulu, and midfield debutant Lucas Da Cunha, paid off.
The win marked Zidane's second victory as France head coach, with his team taking control of their Nations League group. Missing injured captain Kylian Mbappé, Zidane chose to retain only goalkeeper Maignan and defender Maxence Lacroix from the team that beat Turkey 1-0 earlier. The French team's performance earned praise from Zidane, who shared that he knew Olise was going to score. He also highlighted the team's pressing as a key factor in their success.
In another League A Group 1 match, Italy bounced back from their defeat against Belgium, triumphing 4-1 over Turkey in Bursa. Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, and Michael Kayode scored, with Francesco Pio Esposito extending Italy's lead after Turkey had pulled one back. The result means France now leads Group 1 with six points from two matches, while Belgium and Italy have three points each and Turkey remains at the bottom with none.
Zidane's first home game is against Italy at the Stade de France on Friday, followed by a rematch against Belgium on 5 October. The top two teams from the group will advance to the knockout stage next March, with the semi-finals scheduled for June 2027. Belgium, under new coach Mark van Bommel, will look to bounce back from their loss, while France aims to build on their momentum.
Olise's goal was celebrated by Zidane, who launched a ball into the stands as his players surrounded him. The win marked a significant moment for Olise, who has now scored his first goal for France. The team's performance also highlighted Zidane's new blood initiative, with several new players making their debut or scoring crucial goals.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. However, France's pressing and possession ultimately paid off, securing a crucial win for Zidane's team. The result sets up an exciting matchup between France and Italy on Friday, as both teams look to build on their momentum in the Nations League.
Key points
- France secured a 1-0 win over Belgium, thanks to a late goal from Michael Olise.
- Zidane's team dominated possession and controlled the game, despite a bright start from Belgium.
- The win marked Zidane's second victory as France head coach, with his team taking control of their Nations League group.
