Michael Olise scored in the 88th minute to give France a 1–0 victory against Belgium in Brussels on Monday, preserving its winning start under Zinedine Zidane.
The Bayern Munich forward had entered the match only 11 minutes earlier. He received a pass from fellow substitute Rayan Cherki, carried the ball forward from inside France’s half and finished past Senne Lammens with his left foot.
The late goal settled a match that had remained scoreless despite chances at both ends. France moved to six points from two UEFA Nations League games after beginning its campaign with a 1–0 win against Turkey.
Zidane made nine changes from the team that started that opener. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Maxence Lacroix retained their places, while players including Lucas Da Cunha and Esteban Lepaul came into the starting lineup.
France created several first-half opportunities at King Baudouin Stadium. Desire Doue hit the crossbar, Da Cunha struck the post, and Nathan Ngoy prevented a Pierre Kalulu effort from crossing the line.
Belgium also threatened as the match progressed. Dodi Lukebakio forced a save from Maignan in the 72nd minute, and Lacroix blocked another dangerous attempt later in the half. Mika Godts was among the home players who repeatedly carried the ball toward the French defense.
Zidane introduced Ousmane Dembele for Lepaul in the 68th minute. Olise and Cherki followed in the 77th, replacing Bradley Barcola and Maghnes Akliouche, before combining for the deciding goal.
France was without Kylian Mbappe, who left the squad after suffering a knee injury against Turkey. The visitors nevertheless kept a second consecutive clean sheet and won both of Zidane’s first two matches in charge.
The result leaves France leading League A, Group 1. Belgium and Italy have three points each, while Turkey has none after two games.
France next hosts Italy on Friday, October 2, at Stade de France. Belgium meets Turkey in its next group fixture before facing France again during the same international window.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with TF1 match report.
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