France turned a difficult evening against Belgium into a 4-1 victory, recovering from a first-half setback with a late surge that has brought Zinédine Zidane’s side within reach of the quarter-finals. In a match shaped by squad rotation and tired legs, Michael Olise came off the bench to transform the contest, scoring twice and setting up the goal that completed the turnaround.
With the final group fixture arriving after a demanding run of matches, both Zidane and Belgium coach Mark van Bommel made changes. France were without Kylian Mbappé, who had returned to Valdebebas, while Olise, Rayan Cherki and several defenders began on the bench. Jules Koundé played all 90 minutes and Ousmane Dembélé wore the captain’s armband.
Belgium’s attack featured an eager Romelu Lukaku alongside Dodi Lukebakio and Moreira, with the latter two looking to exploit the space created by Lukaku’s hold-up play. France initially monopolised possession and settled high in Belgian territory, but found goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt alert when Bradley Barcola attempted to lift a one-on-one chance over him.
Belgium strike after disciplined opening
The Belgians were content to defend in a compact shape before breaking rapidly. Roméo Lavia dictated much of that work in midfield, repeatedly stopping French moves and supplying the forward runners.
Lukebakio, in particularly sharp form, first delivered a cross that Raskin headed narrowly wide. Then, in the 35th minute, Lavia released him behind the French defence. The Benfica winger raced through, faced Guillaume Restes and drove his finish into the top corner.
The goal left France briefly disorientated. They had territorial control but lacked precision around the penalty area, while Belgium’s structure and Vandevoordt’s interventions held firm after the interval.
Dembélé increasingly assumed responsibility, creating a clear opening for Lepaul that Vandevoordt kept out with an outstanding save. Cherki also forced the Belgian goalkeeper to tip an effort away, while Barcola sent another attempt narrowly off target.
Olise changes the rhythm
The decisive difference came from the benches. Belgium lost much of its attacking threat after Lukebakio and Lukaku were withdrawn, whereas France were lifted by the arrivals of Olise, Cherki, Désiré Doué and Da Cunha.
France finally found an equaliser in the 77th minute. Da Cunha supplied Doué, who was allowed to turn near the edge of the box before placing a low shot across Vandevoordt and into the net.
Four minutes later, Olise drove down the right and cut the ball back for Cherki to put France ahead. The contest had swung completely, and Olise then made the result emphatic.
Doué provided the pass for Olise to strike first time in the 88th minute, before the same combination produced another first-time finish in added time. Olise’s two goals in three minutes sealed a 4-1 scoreline that looked improbable during Belgium’s controlled first half.
For France, the result was more than a recovery from a troubled night: it was a major step towards the quarter-finals, delivered by the strength of a bench that changed the mood and direction of the match.
