Olise’s Late Solo Stunner Fires France Past Belgium in Nations League

Michael Olise produced a moment of individual brilliance in the closing stages as France beat Belgium in Brussels to maintain their perfect start to the Nations League under Zinedine Zidane.

With the match heading towards a goalless finish, the Bayern Munich winger settled it in spectacular fashion in the 88th minute. Olise controlled the ball on his shoulder inside his own half before surging forward, escaping a Belgian defender and calmly finding the bottom corner.

The late strike gave Zidane his second victory in as many matches since taking charge of Les Bleus.

France entered the contest after beating Turkey on Friday, but Zidane opted to significantly reshape his starting side. He made nine changes for the meeting with Belgium, giving several less experienced players an opportunity.

Despite those alterations, France created enough chances to have taken the lead much earlier.

Desire Doue was at the centre of much of their attacking play and finished the match with five attempts without scoring. His closest effort struck the crossbar, while debutant Lucas da Cunha was also denied by the woodwork.

France were without Kylian Mbappe, who was left out of the squad after suffering a knee injury against Turkey. In the striker’s absence, Zidane’s side struggled to turn promising attacking situations into goals.

Belgium also threatened during an open and entertaining encounter. Wingers Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio caused problems for an inexperienced French back line, but the hosts could not find the breakthrough they needed.

As the chances went begging at both ends, the match appeared increasingly likely to finish level.

Olise, however, changed the outcome with two minutes of normal time remaining. His run from deep provided the decisive piece of quality after Belgium had successfully frustrated France for much of the evening.

The result leaves France top of Group A1 with two victories from their opening two Nations League matches under Zidane.

Les Bleus will next face Italy on Friday as they look to extend their winning start, while Belgium will attempt to respond when they take on Turkey.