Michael Olise scored a stunning late goal as France secured a 1–0 victory over Belgium in the Nations League, maintaining Zinedine Zidane’s perfect start as national team manager.
The Bayern Munich winger came off the bench in the 77th minute and produced the decisive moment 11 minutes later, collecting the ball inside his own half before driving forward and curling a superb finish into the bottom corner.
France had created several opportunities before Olise’s breakthrough. Désiré Doué struck the crossbar in the first half, while Lucas Da Cunha also hit the post after the interval as Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens made several important saves.
Zidane had made nine changes to the side that defeated Türkiye 1–0 in his first match in charge. Kylian Mbappé was absent after returning to Real Madrid for treatment following a knee injury sustained in the previous game.
The French manager’s substitutions eventually changed the game, with Olise joining Ousmane Dembélé and Rayan Cherki as France looked for a way through the Belgian defence.
Olise’s goal came after he received possession in his own half and embarked on a long solo run. He carried the ball towards the Belgian penalty area before cutting inside and finding the bottom-left corner with a composed finish.
The goal sparked an animated celebration from Zidane, who ran down the touchline and kicked a spare ball. The former France captain later said he simply wanted to share the moment with his players.
The victory gives France six points from their opening two Nations League Group A1 matches. Zidane’s team had previously defeated Türkiye 1–0, giving the former Real Madrid manager two wins from his first two games in charge.
France will now turn their attention to a home meeting with Italy on Friday, while Belgium will look to recover from their first defeat under new manager Mark van Bommel