Zinedine Zidane Applauds France After Michael Olise Leads Dramatic Nations League Win Over Belgium

Michael Olise Sparks France's Dramatic 4-1 Comeback Against Belgium

In a thrilling Nations League match, France overturned a late deficit to secure a 4-1 victory against Belgium at the Stade de France. This marked Zinedine Zidane's first home win as the French national team coach, powered by a remarkable 14-minute surge led by substitutes including Michael Olise.

Zidane’s First Home Triumph

The French side was trailing until the closing moments, but three second-half substitutes changed the game's direction completely. Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise combined to score four goals in quick succession, clinching vital points for France. This victory moves Zidane’s squad three points ahead of Italy in Group A1, following Italy's 3-1 win over Turkey on the same day.

Super-Subs Turn the Tide

Belgium opened the scoring in the 35th minute with Dodi Lukebakio finishing a well-timed pass from Romeo Lavia past debutant goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. France found it tough to respond until Zidane's tactical substitutions made their mark. Desire Doue equalized in the 77th minute with a sharp low shot to the bottom right corner.

Just four minutes later, Rayan Cherki capitalized on a goalkeeper error by Maarten Vandevoordt, giving France the lead. Then Michael Olise took over, netting two goals within three minutes to seal the comeback and leave Belgium stunned.

Zidane Praises the Entire Squad

"Tonight, this is soccer, this is what we love," Zidane told 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, stating, "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 Close to Nations League Quarter-Finals Spot

With this result, France edges closer to qualifying for the Nations League quarter-finals. The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout phase next year. Although Italy's victory against Türkiye prevented France from sealing qualification immediately, Les Bleus can confirm their place during the final international break.

The group stage will wrap up in November with a critical away match against Italy, followed by a home game versus Türkiye in their last Group A1 encounter.

• Match Summary:
• Belgium Goal: Dodi Lukebakio (35')
• France Goals: Desire Doue (77'), Rayan Cherki (81'), Michael Olise (83', 86')
• Final Score: France 4 - 1 Belgium