Olise frees France in the dying moments in Brussels
In the context of the Nations League, the Belgium‑France match saw Michael Olise score the decisive goal in the 88th minute, delivering the second win for Zinedine Zidane at the helm of the Bleus. Three days after the victory over Turkey, France beat Belgium (0‑1) on Monday evening in Brussels.
A decisive change in the second half
Brought on in the 77th minute for Bradley Barcola, the young Bayern Munich player immediately energized the French attack. In the 88th minute, Olise fooled the Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a left‑footed low drive, cementing the tricolour domination.
Zidane adjusts his eleven
Zinedine Zidane made nine changes compared with the line‑up against Turkey, keeping only Mike Maignan and Maxence Lacroix in their positions. Despite the lack of automatic cohesion, the Bleus showed a fine side, driven by the dribble of Désiré Doué, who struck the bar in the first half (12th minute).
Zidane exults as France unlocks Belgium thanks to Olise
Debuts and individual performances
Lucas Da Cunha impressed on his first call‑up, playing alongside Camavinga and Akliouche. Jérémy Jacquet and Andy Diouf also earned praise, while Estéban Lepaul, starting in the first line, struggled to create chances.
Bradley Barcola, substituted in the 77th minute, failed to influence the game, as did Ousmane Dembélé, whose brief appearance was forgotten. The Parisian was present at several key moments (52nd, 56th and 62nd minutes), even though he did not find the net.
Olise scores at 88', Da Cunha hits post: Zidane leads Montella's Bleus
The King Baudouin Stadium hosted this decisive match, where France, group leaders with two wins, are preparing to face Italy at the Stade de France on Friday at 20:45, before meeting Belgium on Monday to close the gathering.