Michael Olise scored an 88th-minute winner from inside his own half, securing France a 1-0 victory against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. The result maintains Zinedine Zidane’s winning start as France coach following his appointment after the World Cup.
Zidane Fielded a Refreshed Lineup in Brussels
Fresh from a 1-0 victory away to Türkiye in his managerial debut, France coach Zinedine Zidane made nine changes to his starting lineup for the trip to the King Baudouin Stadium. Only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Maxence Lacroix kept their places from the opening match according to the reporting. The reshuffled side included full debuts in midfield for Lucas Da Cunha of Como and in attack for Esteban Lepaul of Rennes, who finished last season as Ligue 1’s top scorer.
The visiting side also played without captain Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker returned to his club for treatment after injuring his left knee moments after scoring a record-extending 67th goal for his country during the win against Türkiye. In contrast to the heavy rotation by Les Bleus, Belgium made only two changes following their 2-0 victory in Italy, marking the home debut for new coach Mark van Bommel.
Woodwork and Goalkeepers Kept the Match Scoreless
France controlled much of the play and tested the Belgian defense repeatedly throughout the evening. Paris Saint-Germain attacker Désiré Doué came closest in the first half when he cracked a shot off the bar, while Da Cunha struck the post with a fierce 25-yard effort early in the second half.
Lepaul squandered several scoring opportunities for the visitors, and Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens turned away numerous French attempts. Belgium also created chances on the counterattack through Dodi Lukebakio and Moreira, but Maignan produced key stops when called upon, and the match drifted toward a scoreless stalemate as the clock wound down.
Olise Snatched Victory in the Closing Minutes
With the match nearing an unremarkable conclusion, Olise intervened after entering the pitch as a 77th-minute substitute for Bradley Barcola. The Bayern Munich star collected possession inside his own half, drove past defenders toward the edge of the penalty area, and curled a shot beyond Lammens into the bottom-left corner of the net in the 88th minute.
The individual brilliance delighted Zidane on the sidelines, sealing a hard-fought result that keeps Les Bleus at the summit of their group.
Group Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
France currently sits at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1 with six points from two matches. Belgium and Italy trail three points behind, with Italy having secured a dominant 4-1 victory against Türkiye.
Les Bleus will host Italy at the Stade de France on Friday for Zidane’s managerial homecoming, followed by a home fixture against Belgium the following Monday.