Michael Olise’s Late Goal Keeps France Perfect in Nations League

Michael Olise struck in the 88th minute as France preserved their flawless UEFA Nations League record with a 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels. Zinedine Zidane’s side controlled the contest for long spells but required late attacking changes to break a compact Belgian defence, with Rayan Cherki supplying the decisive assist shortly after both players entered the match.

France control territory but Belgium hold firm

France had 65% of the ball and produced 18 attempts, yet Belgium’s low defensive block kept the score level deep into the second half. Mark van Bommel’s team sought opportunities on the counter-attack, although they created little sustained threat and registered only two efforts on target.

The visitors’ control in midfield allowed them to retain possession high up the pitch and repeatedly return attacks to the Belgian penalty area. France completed 681 passes, won six corners and delivered 11 crosses, but the final pass or finish was missing until the closing stages.

Late substitutes settle the contest

Esteban Lepaul endured a difficult evening against Belgium’s Mechele and Ngoy and was replaced by Ousmane Dembele in the 68th minute. Dembele’s speed pushed the hosts further back and helped create more room in the final third.

Zidane made another decisive intervention in the 77th minute, introducing Olise and Cherki. Maghnes Akliouche, who had kept France’s passing game moving for 77 minutes, made way for Olise, while Bradley Barcola was also withdrawn after contributing to the visitors’ heavy shot count without finding a finish.

Eleven minutes after his introduction, Olise made the breakthrough. Cherki created the opening and Olise converted in the 88th minute, turning what had appeared likely to finish goalless into a valuable away victory. Manu Kone entered in the 90th minute as France closed out the result.

Camavinga drives disciplined French performance

Eduardo Camavinga was central to France’s dominance, disrupting Belgian moves and carrying the ball forward when space was limited. He made four of France’s interceptions and repeatedly resisted pressure in midfield.

• Mike Maignan captained France, made two saves and kept a clean sheet while helping launch play from the back.
• Jeremy Jacquet helped contain Charles De Ketelaere as France’s defence made 16 clearances across the match.
• Maxence Lacroix dealt effectively with Belgium’s direct aerial approach and used his recovery pace to halt transitions, even though France lost the overall aerial-duel count.
• Andy Diouf maintained defensive balance, particularly when Belgium attempted to widen the game after half-time.
• Pierre Kalulu offered width from the flank while retaining his defensive discipline.
• Lucas Da Cunha recycled possession reliably and remained on the field until the final minute of normal time.
• Desire Doue linked attacks from deeper positions and was influential in the sequences that won France several corners.

Zidane’s changes protect perfect Nations League start

The win reflected France’s patience as much as their late quality. Belgium were restricted to an expected-goals figure of 0.74, with Maignan’s defensive unit rarely allowing counter-attacks to develop into clear chances.

Zidane’s decision to maintain France’s possession-heavy approach and then add Cherki and Olise late on delivered the required breakthrough. Olise finished with the match-winning goal, while Cherki’s brief appearance supplied the creativity France had lacked against Belgium’s organised back line.

France now return to Paris with three more Nations League points and their perfect opening to the campaign intact.