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Zinedine Zidane Praises France After Michael Olise's Stunning Two-Goal Performance in Nations League Comeback Against Belgium

Michael Olise scored twice as Zinedine Zidane’s substitutes sparked a remarkable comeback, leading France to a 4-1 victory over Belgium in the Nations League at the Stade de France. This win marked Zidane’s first home triumph as the French national team coach.

First Home Win for Zidane

France overturned a one-goal deficit late in the match thanks to a 14-minute surge from three second-half substitutes. Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise combined to score four goals, completely changing the game's momentum. With this result, France moved three points ahead of Italy in Group A1, following Italy's 3-1 win against Turkey on the same evening.

Super-Subs Turn the Tide

Belgium shocked the home crowd when Dodi Lukebakio broke through the offside trap in the 35th minute, finishing a long pass from Romeo Lavia past debutant goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. France struggled initially but Zidane’s substitutions transformed the game. Doue equalized in the 77th minute with a precise low shot into the bottom right corner. Four minutes later, Cherki capitalized on a mistake by Belgium’s goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, putting France ahead. Olise then sealed the comeback by scoring two goals within three minutes, completing the turnaround.

Zidane Applauds Team Effort

"Tonight, this is soccer, this is what we love," Zidane said, as reported 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 reflected on the victory, 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 Close to Nations League Quarter-Finals

This victory puts France close to securing a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds next year. Although France would have qualified if Italy had dropped points against Turkey, they now must wait until the final international break to confirm their progression. Their last group matches come in November, with a key away game against Italy followed by a home match against Turkey in Group A1.

  • Group A1 Standings Context: France leads by three points ahead of Italy after the recent results.
  • Key Players Impact: Michael Olise (2 goals), Desire Doue (1 goal), Rayan Cherki (1 goal).
  • Match Venue: Stade de France
  • Belgium Goal: Dodi Lukebakio (35th minute)
  • French Goalkeeper Debut: Guillaume Restes

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