Michael Olise came off the bench to inspire France to a 4-1 comeback win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.
Dodi Lukebakio had put Belgium ahead in the first half at the Stade de France, firing them in front with a clinical finish after a pass from Romeo Lavia. It had Belgium on course for their first competitive win over France in 45 years.
France turned the game around with four goals in the final 13 minutes to hand coach Zinedine Zidane his first home victory since taking charge.
Desire Doue levelled for France in the 77th minute with a low strike from the edge of the box. Four minutes later Olise set up Rayan Cherki to make it 2-1.
Olise then scored twice himself, an 88th-minute finish to make it 3-1 before adding a fourth in stoppage time.
France had also beaten Belgium 1-0 in Brussels last week, with Olise scoring the late winner. The result leaves France top of Nations League Group A1 with 10 points, three clear of Italy who beat Turkey 3-1. Belgium are third.
Zidane rotated heavily, making 10 changes with only Ousmane Dembele retaining his place. Dembele captained the side in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe, while Leny Yoro and Guillaume Restes both made their senior debuts for France.
Belgium were without the suspended duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans.
Leave a comment