France secured a 4–1 victory against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday at the Stade de France, maintaining their grip on Group 1 under head coach Zinédine Zidane. Bayern Munich star Michael Olise entered as a second-half substitute to register two goals and an assist, propelling the hosts to their fourth match in the competition and keeping them firmly positioned at the top of the group table with 10 points.
France Overcomes Early Deficit at the Stade de France
Belgium entered the fixture under new head coach Mark van Bommel looking to recover from a previous 1–0 defeat to France a week earlier. Despite missing suspended playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, the visitors stunned the home crowd in the 35th minute. Roméo Lavia delivered a long pass that released Dodi Lukebakio, who ran through on goal and finished past the French defense to put the visitors ahead.
Zidane, managing his first home fixture since taking charge, initially left Olise and Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué on the bench. Captain Kylian Mbappé was absent after returning to train with Real Madrid following an injury departure, while Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano also missed the squad. Despite the absences, France controlled possession but struggled to pierce the Belgian defense during the opening hour.
Michael Olise and Substitutes Turn the Match in the Second Half
Zidane turned to his bench on the hour mark, introducing Olise to inject momentum into the attack. After Bradley Barcola fired a deflected shot narrowly wide in the 72nd minute, substitute Désiré Doué equalized from distance moments later. The momentum quickly swung entirely in favor of the hosts as the substitutes took over.
Olise orchestrated the next breakthrough in the 81st minute, setting up Rayan Cherki to score from close range and beat goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt. Olise then sealed the victory himself in the closing stages, scoring twice in the 88th minute and during stoppage time to cap off a dominant individual display off the bench.
Standings Implications in UEFA Nations League Group A1
With the 4–1 win, France extends its lead in UEFA Nations League Group 1 to 10 points after four matches, placing the team firmly on course for a place in the quarterfinals. Belgium remains in third place with six points, leaving them with two matches remaining to challenge for qualification.
What Is France's Current Standing in UEFA Nations League Group 1?
What is France’s current standing in UEFA Nations League Group 1?
France leads Group 1 with 10 points after four matches, following their 4–1 victory against Belgium at the Stade de France.
Who scored the goals for France against Belgium?
Désiré Doué scored in the 77th minute, Rayan Cherki added a goal in the 81st minute, and substitute Michael Olise scored twice in the 88th and 91st minutes.
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