Michael Olise supplied the late flash in Belgium, but Zinédine Zidane’s satisfaction ran deeper than France’s 1-0 Nations League win on Monday night. The France coach praised a side reshaped by nine changes from the victory in Turkey, with Lucas Da Cunha making a composed first international start in midfield.
Key takeaways
- France beat Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League, following their previous 1-0 success in Turkey.
- Olise scored the decisive goal after a dribbling run that had Zidane celebrating from the touchline.
- Da Cunha started for France for the first time and was praised for playing freely in midfield.
- Zidane made nine alterations to the team that faced Turkey and highlighted the commitment throughout the squad.
- Désiré Doué and Jérémy Jacquet also received strong praise for their performances.
France withstand Belgium before Olise settles it
Zidane felt France deserved the result over the full contest, even if Belgium created enough openings to have changed the outcome. His team pressed well, carried the game into Belgian territory and showed courage against an opponent he described as strong.
“I am very pleased with what the team produced, including without the ball,” Zidane said. “It followed on from the Turkey match, but on a much better pitch. We were good in every area, especially in the pressing.”
France lost some control after the interval, a development Zidane considered understandable after making nine changes to his line-up. Belgium had two or three chances, he acknowledged, but France held firm before Olise delivered the winning moment.
Zidane had watched the attacker set off on his run and immediately sensed the danger. “I saw him dribbling and thought he was going to score,” he said with a smile. “I was completely with him.”
The coach described Olise as “a pure talent”, admiring not only the forward’s flair but his awareness of when to accelerate play and when to slow it down. “He feels football and recognises the moments,” Zidane said. “I am happy to be alongside him and to watch him play that way.”
Da Cunha takes his chance in a changed side
Como midfielder Da Cunha was handed his first France start in a group containing several players still finding their place at international level. Zidane said the 24-year-old had not tried to force his performance and instead reproduced the freedom he shows for his club.
“I did not discover him tonight,” Zidane said. “I am very happy with him. It is not easy: it is his first cap, he is entering a group he does not know, and for many players this was new. He played as he normally does, free, just as I wanted him to be.”
The wide areas were another point of encouragement. France’s forwards had difficult defensive work against Belgium’s advanced full-backs, but Zidane said they tracked back effectively. He singled out Doué and Jacquet while insisting the collective mattered more than individual honours.
“Everything was good. Désiré was very good, Jérémy was very good,” he said. “It is hard to pick out only one player.”
Zidane’s main message after another narrow win was one of squad competition. He said he does not want players arriving in camp believing they have no prospect of playing, and praised the readiness of everyone involved against Belgium.
“Every player has to believe he can bring something at a certain moment,” Zidane said. “They were all ready.”
