France found a late route past Belgium, with Michael Olise’s sweeping solo finish securing a 1-0 Nations League victory and preserving Zinedine Zidane’s perfect start in charge of Les Bleus. In a tight contest settled only in the 88th minute, France moved to six points at the summit of their Group A section after two rounds.
A tense evening decided at the death
There was little space for either side to work in during an intense match in which clear chances were scarce. France had the better of the early openings but Belgium repeatedly held their ground, keeping the score level deep into the second half.
- In the 26th minute, Pierre Kalulu came close to giving France the lead, only for Romeo Lavia to make a goal-line clearance for Belgium.
- Belgium’s Godts sent an effort over the crossbar ten minutes later as the visitors began to offer more attacking threat.
- Before half-time, Diouf and Barcola combined well for France, but Belgium’s defence stepped in to clear the danger from the penalty area.
- After the interval, Doué produced a fine individual move but sent his finish wide, adding to the frustration on both benches.
The breakthrough eventually arrived two minutes from time. Olise collected possession around midfield, drove forward over several metres and cut through the Belgian resistance before finishing emphatically near the edge of the area. His strike left the defence beaten and gave France the result their pressure had sought.
Zidane’s France make it two from two
The win means Zidane remains unbeaten after his first two group-stage fixtures as France coach. Les Bleus have collected maximum points and now lead Group A with six.
France had already opened their Nations League campaign with a victory over Turkey, a match that carried several notable moments for the new coaching era.
- Kylian Mbappé scored his first goal under Zidane.
- The Turkey match also brought fresh concern over Mbappé’s injury situation.
- Victory against Belgium followed that opening success, extending France’s unbeaten beginning under their new manager.
For France, the margin was narrow but the message from the opening window is clear: two matches, two wins, and a place at the head of the group.
