Zinedine Zidane’s first home victory as France head coach arrived in dramatic fashion on Monday, with a late flurry of goals from Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki propelling *Les Bleus* to a 4-1 Nations League triumph over Belgium. The win, secured at the Stade de France, wasn’t just a statement of intent—it was a tactical masterclass in resilience, with France clawing back from a deficit to leave Belgium’s defense exposed in the final 20 minutes.

Olise, who entered the match as a substitute, became the focal point of France’s revival. His first goal—a low drive from the edge of the box—equalized in the 77th minute, setting the stage for Cherki’s header four minutes later to break the deadlock. But it was Olise’s second strike, followed by a third in stoppage time, that sealed the result. His ability to dictate play in the final third, combined with his finishing under pressure, mirrored the kind of impact that has made him a standout in Europe’s top leagues. Zidane himself praised his midfielder’s performance as ‘exceptional,’ a rare but well-earned endorsement from a coach known for his discerning eye.

The victory also marked a turning point for Zidane’s tenure. Having started his job with three wins in four matches in the Nations League, France’s newfound momentum suggests a shift in the team’s approach. The 4-1 win over Belgium—once a perennial powerhouse in international football—underscored how quickly Zidane’s tactical adjustments are bearing fruit. The defensive solidity that had been a concern in early friendlies was replaced by a more aggressive, possession-based style, with Olise’s movement and Cherki’s clinical finishing providing the necessary firepower.

For Belgium, the loss was a rare stumble in recent years. Despite their defensive organization, the midfield was exposed by France’s ability to exploit space behind the ball, and Olise’s late goals highlighted the vulnerabilities in a side that had struggled to find consistency under their new coach, Mark van Bommel. The result doesn’t just signal a setback for Belgium; it reinforces France’s emergence as a team capable of challenging for major honors in the coming years.

With the Nations League campaign still in its early stages, this win sets a clear trajectory for Zidane’s project. The combination of youthful energy from players like Olise and the experience of veterans like Cherki and Kylian Mbappé (who featured in reserve) suggests France is building a squad that can compete at the highest level. For now, the focus remains on the Nations League, but the foundations for a deeper run in Euro 2028 are already being laid—one late goal at a time.