Zinedine Zidane frees the Blues, win in Belgium validates his plan

The French national team, led by Zinedine Zidane, won its second consecutive Nations League match by beating Belgium 1‑0 in Brussels on Monday, thanks to a goal from Michael Olise in the 88th minute, despite nine changes in the starting eleven.

A reshuffled eleven, three newcomers

Compared with the victory in Turkey on Friday, the manager made nine changes, including starting three young players: Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha. These changes were presented as a desire to give playing time to new talents while maintaining the team's balance. The rest of the eleven kept the structure set up against Turkey, but with a different dynamic.

Technical mastery and high press

According to Opta, France completed 92.8 % of its passes in the opponent’s half, a record over the past twenty years. This high rate reflects the high press imposed by Zidane, markedly higher than that practiced under Didier Deschamps, who favored a deeper block. The Blues thus displayed very satisfying technical mastery and game creation.

Olise decides in the 88th minute

Michael Olise scored the only goal of the match in the 88th minute, concluding a collective move where France penetrated the final third of the pitch. His strike triggered a spontaneous celebration from Zinedine Zidane, who ran towards the goal before raising his arms in joy.

Olise frees France in the dying moments in Brussels

Zidane satisfied with the freedom given

« We weren’t afraid to go into the opponent’s half, that’s what I like », said Zinedine Zidane after the match. He recalled that he was appointed on July 28 and that he is « driven by the game ». In the press conference, he added: « I have confidence in them and they return it to me on the pitch. I wasn’t afraid at all to make all these changes ».

The newcomers assert themselves

Lucas Da Cunha explained: « It was my first match, the coach gave me his full confidence, told me to let myself go, to play and help the team ». Jérémy Jacquet emphasized: « He gives the opportunity to be seen, everyone seized the chance ». Andy Diouf added that the coach’s ideas were promising but that « it’s only the beginning ». Pierre Kalulu recalled Zidane’s instructions: alternate long and short play, then let yourself go in the last thirty metres.

Group A now led by France

After the victory in Turkey (0‑1) and today’s win, the Blues take the lead of Group A in the Nations League. Two more matches will be played at home during this international break, giving Zidane the chance to consolidate his approach. The progress shown by the team is already considered very encouraging.

Olise scores at 88', Da Cunha hits post: Zidane leads Montella's Bleus

Training and game vision

During a training session, the coach acted as a luxury passer, giving the players a voice to encourage them to add pace. Esteban Lepaul, striker for Stade Rennais, had already highlighted after the match against Turkey that the manager gave « freedom to the players » and corrected details without anything superfluous. This philosophy is confirmed in Monday’s performance in Brussels.