Patience paid off for France on a tense night in Brussels, where Michael Olise produced a moment of real class to settle the contest with two minutes of normal time left. The Bayern Munich winger’s strike gave Zinedine Zidane a perfect start to life as manager, with two wins from two games in the Nations League.
Zidane rotated heavily, changing nine players from the side that beat Turkey on Friday. The reshuffle left his team short on rhythm for long spells, and Belgium’s well organised backline refused to crack. Only when fresh legs arrived from the bench did France find a way through.
The breakthrough came in the 88th minute. Olise brought a loose ball under control with his shoulder inside his own half, then surged forward at pace, left a defender trailing and calmly placed his finish low into the corner. It was a goal fit to win any match.
The evening was lively at both ends, yet France clearly missed Kylian Mbappe, who sat out the trip after hurting his knee against Turkey. His absence showed in front of goal. Desire Doue was the pick of the attackers and probably deserved better, as none of his five attempts found the net, and one of them thundered against the crossbar. Debutant Lucas da Cunha also rattled the woodwork, seeing his effort strike the post.
Belgium had their moments too. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio caused plenty of trouble down the flanks, but a youthful French defence held firm and denied them a clear opening.
France now sit at the top of Group A1. Next up is a Friday meeting with Italy, while Belgium turn their attention to a clash with Turkey.
