In a Belgian stadium where the French starting XI was greeted by jeers, one name broke through the noise: Zinédine Zidane received sustained applause as France beat Belgium 1-0 on Monday.
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France’s latest victory over their neighbours has intensified the sense that Zidane has quickly placed his stamp on the national side. The result was Belgium’s sixth successive defeat against Les Bleus since 2018, yet the discussion abroad extended well beyond the scoreline.
Belgian coverage reflected the frustration of another loss, with one Flemish sports front page leading with a French expletive and asking how many more times Belgium would have to suffer against France. There was also recognition that Belgium coach Mark van Bommel had produced a more convincing performance in what was described as his second examination, with a tactical plan that held up.
Belgium were also reminded that they had faced a much-changed French team. But France’s depth was placed in perspective by the observation that the side labelled “France B” would be the first team in 99 per cent of FIFA member nations.
The clearest moment of the evening came before kick-off. The French players’ names were swallowed by boos, before the hostility stopped for Zidane. Applause replaced whistles for the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner, whose role in France’s World Cup triumph in 1998 and Euro 2000 still carries weight across the border.
Michael Olise settled the contest, and German coverage focused on the Bayern Munich forward’s distinctive close control and match-winning touch. France’s second-half superiority was judged to have made the outcome deserved.
Italian reaction cast Olise as the player who delivered victory for Zidane, while noting that France are developing even without Kylian Mbappé. The early principles associated with the new coach were identified as controlling possession, pressing high to recover the ball, moving it quickly to create openings, encouraging midfield runners and then trusting the quality of the forwards.
Spanish coverage highlighted Zidane’s celebration when Olise scored, portraying the former Real Madrid playmaker as swept up by the winger’s moment of inspiration.
Italy next, then Belgium again
France now turn towards Friday’s meeting with Italy, with Roberto Mancini’s side warned that Zidane’s team could present a difficult test. Les Bleus will then face Belgium again in Paris early next week.
Despite Monday’s defeat, Belgium have not abandoned hope of a response. The prospect of a rematch in the French capital on Monday has already been framed as an opportunity for revenge.
