France 4-1 Belgium: Doue and Olise lead late four-goal comeback
France recovered from a goal down to beat Belgium 4-1 after a remarkable late surge, with Désiré Doué and Michael Olise decisive from the bench. Dodi Lukebakio’s 35th-minute finish had put Mark van Bommel’s visitors ahead, but France scored four times from the 77th minute onwards to turn a difficult evening into a commanding win.
Match facts
| Item | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | France 4-1 Belgium | France overturned a 1-0 deficit late in the match. |
| Possession | 61% France | The home side controlled the ball despite Belgium’s first-half lead. |
| Shots | 24-5 France | France also recorded nine efforts on target; Belgium managed two. |
| Expected goals | 2.38 France | Pressure eventually brought a four-goal finish. |
Belgium’s compact defensive approach had frustrated France for much of the contest. Lukebakio took his opportunity well in the 35th minute, and the visitors appeared on course to protect that advantage through disciplined defending and limited attacking transitions.
France, however, continued to dominate territory and possession. Their 24 attempts reflected the sustained pressure around Belgium’s penalty area, although the starting attack initially struggled to find the final pass or clean shooting openings against the deep block.
Goalkeeper Restes had little to deal with beyond the Belgian opener and made one save. He could not be held responsible for Lukebakio’s goal, while his use of the ball helped France begin attacks from the back.
In defence, Leny Yoro made a composed debut at centre-back. His recovery speed helped contain Romelu Lukaku, while he contributed in the air as France restricted Belgium to only two shots on target. Maxence Lacroix added physicality alongside him and helped France maintain a high defensive line, although the back line was exposed for the first-half goal.
Jules Koundé offered regular width from right-back, even if some deliveries did not find their target. His positioning aided France’s control of the ball and limited Dodi Moreira’s influence down that side. On the left, Diouf concentrated on defensive balance and was less prominent in attacking areas, but Belgium were unable to create meaningful counter-attacking opportunities.
Eduardo Camavinga dictated much of France’s midfield work, repeatedly moving possession on and playing forward through the lines. Manu Koné supplied energy and aggression but could not unlock Belgium before his 61st-minute departure. The playmaker ahead of them found little room between the visiting lines and was among the attacking changes made as France sought a route back into the game.
Captain Ousmane Dembélé endured a frustrating 60 minutes. He attempted to beat Timothy Castagne repeatedly but did not produce a goal or assist before being taken off. Bradley Barcola showed pace and completed several dribbles, though Belgium regularly doubled up against him; he made way for Doué in the 72nd minute.
Up front, Lepaul was often isolated. His movement occupied Belgium’s central defenders, but he received too little service to significantly test Vandevoordt.
Substitutes transform the result
Zidane’s changes reshaped the contest. Olise entered in the 60th minute, while Cherki and Doué supplied the technical quality and direct threat France had lacked during the opening hour. The shift in energy became increasingly apparent as Belgium’s defensive unit tired.
The equaliser arrived in the 77th minute. Doué, only five minutes after his introduction, finished an attack begun by the substitute who had replaced Koné in the 61st minute. That goal changed the momentum immediately.
Cherki then put France in front in the 81st minute, showing composure in a congested area after Olise set him up. Belgium’s resistance had broken, and the final stages became one-sided.
Olise made it 3-1 in the 88th minute before adding another in the 91st. Doué supplied both of Olise’s goals, completing an outstanding substitute appearance consisting of a goal and two assists. Olise finished with two goals and an assist, while Cherki’s intervention supplied the pivotal go-ahead strike.
Adrien Rabiot replaced Camavinga in the 88th minute to help close out the result. France’s superior fitness and depth proved decisive in the final quarter, converting an initially frustrating performance into a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Zidane’s substitutions ultimately defined the night. France’s original line-up had struggled to create openings, but the introductions of Doué, Olise and Cherki delivered the individual quality required to dismantle Belgium’s defensive plan.
