France secured a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory against Belgium in their high-stakes UEFA Nations League encounter. Despite dominating possession early on, the French side struggled to find the net, extending their eight-match streak of failing to score within the first 45 minutes. Belgium capitalized on this lack of clinical edge in the 35th minute when Dodi Lukebakio fired a powerful left-footed shot into the box following a precise through ball from Romeo Lavia, putting his side 1-0 ahead. This deficit stirred memories among supporters of France’s painful defeat to Belgium eleven years ago.
The momentum shifted decisively after manager Zinedine Zidane introduced fresh tactical options in the second half. He brought on Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki in the 60th minute, followed by Desire Doue in the 72nd minute. The substitutes transformed the game, starting with Doue, who leveled the score in the 77th minute with a clinical strike from outside the box off a pass from Lucas Da Cunha. Only four minutes later, in the 81st minute, Rayan Cherki capitalized on an assist from Olise to put France in front 2-1, moments after Belgium’s Nicolas Ngoy missed a golden opportunity to alter the match’s trajectory.
France’s dominance continued as they dismantled the Belgian defense in the final stages. In the 88th minute, a coordinated effort between Doue and Olise resulted in Michael Olise extending the lead to 3-1. Shortly after, in the first minute of stoppage time, Olise netted his second of the game—and France’s fourth—following a sequence involving Cherki and Doue. This explosive 14-minute surge ensured a comfortable win and solidified France’s hold on the top spot in Group 1, where they have accumulated 10 points from four matches.
For Belgium, the defeat marks their second loss to France within a single week, causing them to slip to third place in the group with 6 points. Italy currently holds the second position with 7 points, leaving the group standings tight as the competition progresses.
