Late Olise Masterclass Secures 1-0 Victory for France Over Belgium in UEFA Nations League

Michael Olise delivered a stunning late strike to secure a 1-0 victory for France against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, maintaining Zinedine Zidane's perfect record with two wins out of two since taking over as coach.

The Bayern Munich star, recognized as one of the standout performers at the World Cup where France reached the semifinals, entered the match as a late substitute in Brussels on Monday with the score tied at 0-0. Olise picked up the ball from inside his own half and surged forward to score the decisive goal in the 88th minute.

This triumph follows a 1-0 away win against Turkiye last Friday during Zinedine Zidane's debut at the helm, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the World Cup. Consequently, France sits at the top of Nations League Group A1 with six points, holding a three-point lead over Belgium and Italy, following Italy's 4-1 victory in Turkiye on Monday.

Les Bleus are set to host Italy next at the Stade de France on Friday for Zinedine Zidane's homecoming match, before welcoming Belgium on October 5.

Zinedine Zidane played without captain Kylian Mbappe, who returned to Real Madrid for treatment after sustaining a left knee injury while scoring the winner against Turkiye. The French lineup at the King Baudouin Stadium featured nine changes, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix remaining as the only players to retain their spots. Notable debuts included Lucas Da Cunha of Como in Italy in midfield and Esteban Lepaul of Rennes, Ligue 1's top scorer last season, in attack. Meanwhile, Belgium made only two changes following their 2-0 win in Italy for new coach Mark van Bommel’s home debut.

France created the better scoring opportunities, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue hitting the crossbar in the first half and Lucas Da Cunha striking the post early in the second half. The match appeared headed toward a scoreless draw before Michael Olise, subbed on in the 77th minute for Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola, made his decisive run. The London-born player gathered possession in his own half, drove toward the edge of the Belgian penalty area, and curled a shot past goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the bottom-left corner.