Zinedine Zidane Applauds France's Stunning Comeback Led by Michael Olise in Nations League Win Over Belgium

France stunned Belgium with a 4-1 victory in the Nations League, marking Zinedine Zidane’s first home triumph as manager. The Stade de France witnessed a remarkable 14-minute burst where Michael Olise and other substitutes transformed the match completely.

Substitutes Change the Course of the Game

Belgium took the lead in the 35th minute when Dodi Lukebakio capitalized on a perfect long pass from Romeo Lavia, beating the offside trap and scoring past debutant goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. Despite early struggles, France found new energy after Zidane brought on Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise in the second half.

• 77th minute: Desire Doue scored a precise low shot to equalize.
• 81st minute: Rayan Cherki forced a mistake from Belgium's keeper Maarten Vandevoordt, which allowed France to take the lead.
• 84th & 87th minutes: Michael Olise scored two quick goals, completing the comeback and sealing the emphatic win.

Zidane Praises Team Effort

"Tonight, this is soccer, this is what we love," Zidane said, as quoted by ESPN. "We faced some difficulties in the first half, but that’s part of the game, it’s the kind of match you get from time to time. It’s good to set things right - which is what we did - and we managed to play an extraordinary second half."

Olise shared his thoughts after the match-winning performance, emphasizing teamwork: "It’s a collective effort, too. He [Zidane] brings in ideas, we follow them - we’ve done that well over the last four matches, we’re going to continue like this."

France Edges Closer to Quarter-Finals

This result strengthens France’s position at the top of Group A1. They now lead Italy by three points, following Italy’s 3-1 victory over Turkey on the same night. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Nations League knockout stages next year.

Although France would have secured qualification if Italy had dropped points against Turkey, they must wait until their final international break in November. Les Bleus will face a crucial away match in Italy before hosting Turkey to close out the group stage.