Zinedine Zidane’s France delivered a tactical masterclass in the UEFA Nations League, converting a half-time deficit into a 4-1 demolition of Belgium at the Stade de France. The victory—Zidane’s first home win since taking charge—solidified France’s dominance in Group A1, leaving them three points clear at the top with a record that now includes back-to-back victories over Turkey and Belgium. The turning point came in the 77th minute when Désiré Doué curled a strike into the far corner, leveling the score after Dodi Lukébakio’s early goal for Belgium. But it was Michael Olise’s arrival on the hour mark that ignited the French counterattack, his two goals and an assist in the final 12 minutes sealing a result that stunned the Red Devils.
The Belgian defense, anchored by a low block, had stifled France’s early creativity, with only Bradley Barcola and Esteban Lepaul offering glimpses of danger. Zidane’s decision to rotate in Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Lucas Da Cunha at the 60-minute mark proved decisive. Olise’s first goal—a solo effort—drew France level, followed by a swift Cherki assist that put the hosts ahead. The second half’s climax belonged to Doué and Olise, whose partnership in the dying minutes delivered two more goals, each a testament to their individual brilliance and Zidane’s ability to deploy them at critical junctures. The 24-year-old winger’s late flurry alone would have been enough to secure the win, but the manager’s strategic foresight—substituting in world-class talent when it mattered most—elevated this to a statement victory.
Belgium’s defensive frailties were exposed in the final 20 minutes, as France’s attacking trio of Cherki, Olise, and Doué exploited gaps in the backline. The Red Devils, who had dominated possession early, struggled to contain the French counterattacks, particularly after the substitutions. Lukébakio’s initial strike past Guillaume Restes was the only Belgian goal, but the hosts’ resilience and Zidane’s tactical adaptability ensured a result that left Belgium in third place with just six points. The victory also sets up a crucial showdown against Italy in the next round, where France’s momentum will be tested once again.
This win underscores Zidane’s growing influence as a manager, capable of extracting performances from young talents like Doué and Diouf while leveraging the experience of players like Maignan and Kalulu. The Nations League quarter-finals are now within reach, and France’s ability to turn games on their head—mirroring their 2018 World Cup triumph—has once again put them in the conversation for European supremacy. For Belgium, the result serves as a reminder that even the most possession-dominant teams can be undone by tactical precision and late flair.
