Joker Olise decides France's Nations League win over Belgium

In the late evening light of the stadium, as the tension was almost palpable, Michael Olise dribbled through the Belgian defence and skillfully placed the ball into the lower corner. The goal in the 88th minute gave France a narrow 1‑0 victory in the top match of the Nations League against Belgium.

French offensive dominates the action

Both teams started offensively, but France took control after a short time. In the first half, Désiré Doué repeatedly created danger, hit the crossbar and set up several good chances. Esteban Lepaul and Pierre Kalulu also missed the lead by a narrow margin, while Belgium’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens had to make multiple saves.

Belgium remained dangerous thanks to Kevin De Bruyne and Mika Godts, so the game went into halftime scoreless.

Tension until the end

After the break, France increased the pressure. Doué narrowly missed the goal, and debutant Lucas Da Cunha hit the post with a long‑range shot. Belgium, after the substitution of Dodi Lukebakio, regained momentum, forced Mike Maignan into strong saves, and Charles De Ketelaere also had a good chance.

Olise frees France in the dying moments in Brussels

When much was already pointing to a draw, Michael Olise sealed the game. His precise shot in the 88th minute decided a match in which both teams had long been evenly matched.

For head coach Zinedine Zidane, the start as the French national coach is so far going according to plan. After the 1‑0 win in Turkey, France also won the second Nations‑League match and therefore sits alone at the top of Group A1.

The young attack featuring Doué, Akliouche and Olise left a strong impression, while Belgium under coach Mark van Bommel once again showed an engaged performance, but was not rewarded.