France left Belgium with a 1-0 win and the feeling of a side growing into Zinedine Zidane’s demands, as Michael Olise’s late individual strike settled a tight evening away from home.
The French coach, a native of Marseille, praised the control and courage shown by his players against a Belgium team he described as a strong opponent. France pressed effectively, resisted when required and continued to play high up the pitch rather than retreating.
“We were good in every part of the game, especially our pressing,” Zidane said after the match. “We prepared very well against a good Belgium side. We held firm, showed bravery and were not afraid to play in their half. That is what I like.”
France had to wait until the closing stages for the decisive moment, but Zidane believed the visitors had earned it through their performance. Olise produced the finish after dribbling into position, with his coach admitting he sensed the goal was coming as the attacker took on his opponent.
“We deserved to win and eventually found the goal,” Zidane said. “With the way we were playing, we deserved to score. We controlled the match very well and were the dominant team.”
Olise shines as newcomers make their mark
Olise drew particular praise from Zidane, who highlighted the attacker’s instinct and judgement as well as his technical ability. “He is pure talent,” the France manager said. “When I saw him dribble, I thought he was going to score. He is a player I really like. He reads football well, senses situations, knows when to attack and when to hold back. I am happy to work with him.”
The trip to Belgium also gave Zidane encouragement from players less regularly involved in the international set-up. He was especially pleased with Lucas Da Cunha, who made his debut after joining a group unfamiliar to him.
“I am very happy for him,” Zidane said. “It is not an easy situation: it is his first call-up and he arrives in a group he does not know. He played as he normally does, as I wanted him to play, with freedom.”
Zidane stressed that the result mattered beyond Olise’s winner, pointing to a wider squad effort across France’s last two matches. “The best thing is that everyone takes part, and I love that,” he said. “Every player was very good tonight, so it is difficult to pick only one. We are a team and we have shown that in both games. Everyone is involved and everyone feels part of the squad. I do not want to select players who believe they will not play. The final decision is mine, but everybody must be ready.”
