France secured a 1-0 win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, courtesy of Michael Olise's magnificent late strike. The match at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels was goalless until the 88th minute when Olise, who came off the bench in the 77th minute, scored the winner. This victory marked France's second win under new coach Zinedine Zidane, who took over after the World Cup.
Olise's goal was a highlight of the match, as he collected possession inside his own half and advanced to the edge of the Belgian box before curling a shot beyond the reach of Senne Lammens into the bottom-left corner of the net. The London-born player was one of the outstanding players at the World Cup, where France reached the semi-finals. His performance in this match further solidified his reputation as a skilled player.
The win follows France's 1-0 success away to Turkey last Friday in Zidane's first game at the helm. Zidane was without captain Kylian Mbappe, who returned to his club for treatment after injuring his left knee while scoring the winner against Turkey. The French line-up showed nine changes, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix the only players to keep their places.
France's victory puts them top of Nations League Group A1 with six points, three points ahead of Belgium and Italy. Italy won 4-1 in Turkey on Monday, keeping their chances of advancing in the competition alive. Les Bleus will play host to Italy next at the Stade de France on Friday, which will be Zidane's homecoming as France coach.
The French team had the better of the chances in the match, with Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue cracking a shot off the bar in the first half and Da Cunha striking the post early in the second half. However, the contest was heading to an unremarkable goalless conclusion until Olise intervened with his stunning goal.
Belgium made only two changes to the team that started last Friday's 2-0 win in Italy for what was new coach Mark van Bommel's home bow. The changes did not seem to affect their performance significantly, but they were unable to find a way past the French defense until Olise's late goal.
France will then entertain Belgium next Monday, and the two teams will look to build on their current form in the Nations League. With this win, Zidane has made it two wins out of two since taking over as coach, and his team will look to continue their good form in the upcoming matches.
Key points
- France's 1-0 win over Belgium was secured by Michael Olise's late strike in the 88th minute.
- The victory marked France's second win under new coach Zinedine Zidane.
- France top of Nations League Group A1 with six points, three points ahead of Belgium and Italy.
