Zinedine Zidane Praises Michael Olise After Late Goal Secures France Win Over Belgium

Zinedine Zidane was full of praise for Michael Olise following the winger's remarkable solo strike that clinched a 1-0 victory for France against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League match held in Brussels. The late goal preserved France's flawless start under their new coach.

Olise's Moment of Brilliance in Brussels

The match at King Baudouin Stadium remained tight until the 88th minute when substitute Olise created magic. Starting from his own half, the former Crystal Palace player controlled the ball with his shoulder before launching a direct run that left the Belgian defense behind. After shaking off his marker, he calmly slotted a low shot into the bottom corner, securing the win and sparking wild celebrations from Zidane on the sidelines.

Despite missing the injured Kylian Mbappe, France dominated possession but found it tough to break down Mark van Bommel’s well-structured defense until Olise’s decisive intervention changed the game's course.

Zidane Hails Exceptional Talent

After the match, Zidane expressed his admiration for Olise, who entered as a substitute in the 77th minute replacing Bradley Barcola. The French legend highlighted the young player's skill and football intelligence. Zidane seems confident that Olise is a unique asset as he reshapes the national squad following Didier Deschamps' departure earlier this year.

"I saw him dribble past a defender, and I said to myself: He’s going to score. I was cheering him on with all my heart. He is an extraordinary talent. I love this type of player. When he plays, he wants to entertain the fans. But it doesn’t stop there. He has a great sense of the game, he anticipates the opponent’s movements, and he knows when to attack and when to drop back," Zidane said.

France’s Dominance Despite Missed Opportunities

France might feel they should have sealed the game sooner, registering 18 shots compared to Belgium's 12. Desire Doue stood out with five attempts on goal and even hit the woodwork during an energetic display. Debutant Lucas da Cunha also came close when his shot struck the post, showcasing the determination of the young French players stepping up without their captain Mbappe.

Belgium, coached by Mark van Bommel, proved resilient for most of the match. They utilized the speed of Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio on counter-attacks, forcing goalkeeper Mike Maignan into multiple saves. The disciplined Belgian defense held firm until Olise’s powerful run finally broke through.

Looking Ahead for France and Belgium

Zidane’s start as France’s international manager has been flawless in results, though the team’s performance continues to evolve. France now prepare for a tough test against Italy on Friday, aiming to extend their winning run and solidify their lead in the group. Belgium will travel to Turkey seeking to bounce back and revive their campaign.

• UEFA Nations League A
• France (FRA) vs Italy (ITA): 2 Oct 2026, 21:45
• Belgium (BEL) vs Turkey (TUR): 2 Oct 2026, 21:45