Michael Olise produced a moment of individual brilliance in the closing stages as France edged Belgium 1-0 in Brussels on Monday, giving new coach Zinedine Zidane a perfect start to his reign.
The Bayern Munich winger, introduced from the bench in the 77th minute, broke the deadlock with just two minutes of normal time remaining after the match had appeared destined to finish without a goal.
Olise received the ball inside his own half before embarking on a determined run towards the Belgian penalty area. After carrying possession deep into the hosts’ territory, he curled a composed effort beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens and into the bottom-left corner.
The victory means Zidane has won both of his opening matches since taking over from Didier Deschamps following France’s World Cup campaign. Les Bleus had begun the new era with a 1-0 away victory over Turkey last Friday.
France now sit top of Nations League Group A1 with six points, three ahead of Belgium and Italy. Italy strengthened their position on Monday by defeating Turkey 4-1.
Zidane will next experience his first home match as France coach when Italy visit the Stade de France on Friday, before Belgium return to France the following Monday.
The French manager had to make significant adjustments in Brussels, with captain Kylian Mbappe absent after returning to Real Madrid for treatment on a knee injury sustained during the victory over Turkey.
France made nine changes to the side that started the previous match, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix the only players retained.
The reshuffled team included debuts for Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul, who finished as Ligue 1’s leading scorer last season.
Belgium made just two changes from the side that defeated Italy 2-0 in their previous match, with the game also serving as new coach Mark van Bommel’s first home fixture.
Despite their numerous changes, France created the clearer opportunities. Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué struck the crossbar in the first half, while Da Cunha hit the post shortly after the interval.
Belgium struggled to find a decisive response as the game entered its final stages.
Olise’s late introduction ultimately changed the contest. His long run and precise finish not only secured another three points for France but also preserved Zidane’s flawless beginning in the Nations League.
With six points already secured, France now turn their attention to Friday’s meeting with Italy, where Zidane will make his first appearance on the touchline at the Stade de France.
