Van Bommel's Belgium suffers first loss to Zidane's French side

In the Nations League duel in Brussels, Mark van Bommel saw his second match as Belgium's head coach end in a 0-1 defeat. The French, under the leadership of Zinédine Zidane, continued their rotation and allowed substitute Michael Olise to make the difference shortly before the end.

Historical weight of the encounter

For this duel Belgium had lost the previous five head‑to‑head meetings, and the last victory over France dated back eleven years. Without friendly matches Belgium had not even won against their southern neighbours for 45 years, who were beaten in the qualification for the 1982 World Cup in Brussels.

Line‑ups and rotation

Zidane, who like Van Bommel is newly at the helm, deployed a heavily rotated eleven. He left, among others, Ousmane Dembélé, Rayan Cherki and Adrien Rabiot on the bench, while Michael Olise, who did not start the match earlier, later came on and scored.

Van Bommel largely stuck to the eleven with which he began the previous week with a victory over Italy. The Red Devils made only two substitutions, while the French made as many as nine changes.

Van Bommel looks forward to the duel with Zidane in the Nations League

Match progression

The French started with a dangerous move by Désiré Doué, who shot against the post. Later Esteban Lepaul of Rennes shot into the hands of the Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, after which Romeo Lavia later offered assistance.

After the break France's dominance increased, but the Belgians created chances through Kevin De Bruyne, Diego Moreira, Dodi Lukebakio and Mika Godts without result. Eventually Olise came with a burst of speed, a feint and a cut‑in at the edge to score the only goal.

Van Bommel aims to finally beat France as Zidane lines up his B team

For the Red Devils a Nations League duel with Turkey now awaits on Friday evening, after which they travel to France on Monday for a new encounter with Les Bleus. For the French a duel against Italy follows on Friday 2 October.