A dramatic solo run from Michael Olise in the 88th minute handed France a 1-0 win over Belgium. Despite a heavily rotated lineup, Zidane's team dominated possession and chances, but only broke through at the very end. The result puts France at the top of their Nations League group ahead of their next match against Italy.
France needed a spark. They got it with two minutes left. Michael Olise, fresh off the bench, broke free and scored the only goal. That was enough. France beat Belgium 1-0 in Brussels.
Zinédine Zidane made big changes to his starting lineup. The team looked sharp anyway. France kept the ball, pressed high, and forced Belgium to defend deep. They piled up shots and corners. Belgium barely got out of their own half. Still, the score stayed level. Belgium’s defense stayed tight. France kept pushing, but the breakthrough didn’t come. ESPN and BBC both reported that France created more danger, but Belgium’s back line held out until the end.
Michael Olise was on the pitch for just about 12 minutes before scoring the decisive goal, having started the attack from his own half.
Desiré Doué stepped up with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Olise all missing from the starting eleven. Doué drove the attack. He rattled the crossbar with a solo run and kept testing Belgian keeper Lammens. He popped up everywhere—on both wings, in the box, even tracking back to win the ball. But the goal wouldn’t come. ESPN and other outlets called Doué one of France’s main creative forces. Lucas Da Cunha also hit the post.
After halftime, France pressed even harder. Doué kept threatening. Da Cunha struck the post. Then Belgium woke up. Dodi Lukebakio came on and gave them a spark. Suddenly, France looked vulnerable. Mike Maignan made two big saves to stop Lukebakio. Lacroix blocked a shot from De Ketelaere. The match was wide open. Both teams sensed a late winner. Al Jazeera and ESPN highlighted Maignan’s saves as key to France’s clean sheet.
Olise found the gap. He took off on a counterattack and finished calmly. Belgium had no time to answer. France’s pressure finally paid off. Sometimes, patience wins. BBC and Tempo both noted that Ryan Cherki set up Olise’s goal. Zidane’s subs made the difference.
Following this victory, France moved to the top of Group A1 in the Nations League after two rounds, marking a perfect start for Zidane's side in the current campaign.
France now sits at the top of their Nations League group. Two matches, two wins. Next up: Italy. The win over Belgium showed tactical discipline and flashes of skill. Zidane trusted his bench, and it paid off. The late goal in Brussels could shape France’s whole campaign. The Guardian and UEFA both pointed to France’s depth and adaptability under Zidane.
