France's Bench Sparks Late Comeback as Belgium Collapse in Nations League

France overturned a one-goal deficit to defeat Belgium 4-1 in their UEFA Nations League Group A1 clash at the Stade de France on Monday, with three second-half substitutes combining to transform the contest in the closing stages.

The victory marked Zinedine Zidane's first home win as France manager, coming just three days after his side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Italy. The result leaves France sitting comfortably atop Group A1 with 10 points from their opening fixtures.

Belgium had appeared in control for much of the match, taking the lead in the 35th minute through Dodi Lukebakio. The visitors' advantage held until the closing quarter-hour, when Zidane turned to his bench and altered the match's trajectory entirely.

Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise — all of whom began the evening among the substitutes — proved instrumental in the French revival. Their introduction injected pace, creativity and directness into an attack that had struggled to break down a disciplined Belgian defensive setup.

Doue, who has emerged as one of France's most promising young attackers, drew the hosts level in the 77th minute with a composed left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area. The goal shifted the momentum decisively in France's favour and set the stage for a remarkable finale.

Just four minutes later, Cherki put France ahead, converting a cross from Olise. The goal showcased the kind of incisive combination play that Zidane's substitutes were able to produce, catching Belgium's defence out of position as the match entered its decisive phase.

Olise then took centre stage, completing a brace with goals in the final moments of regular time and during stoppage time. His first came just before the whistle, and his second arrived when he latched onto a precise pass from Doue following a swift, clinical counterattack.

The brace capped a standout individual performance from Olise, whose involvement in three of France's four goals underlined the depth of attacking talent available to Zidane. The manager's decision to introduce all three players in the second half proved decisive in turning a potential defeat into a convincing victory.

Belgium's evening unravelled rapidly after Doue's equaliser. Having defended resolutely for much of the match, the visitors were unable to cope with the intensity and speed of France's late surges forward, conceding three goals in the space of roughly fifteen minutes.

For Belgium, the defeat represents a significant setback in their campaign. They now trail France by four points in Group A1, with their hopes of topping the group — and potentially securing a favourable path in the competition's latter stages — suffering a serious blow.

In the same group, Italy secured a 3-1 victory over Turkiye, keeping pace with France at the top of the standings. Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito were on target for the Azzurri, who sit three points behind France.

Turkiye had briefly restored parity through Aral Simsir just after the hour mark, but Italy's response was emphatic, with their goalscorers ensuring the home side claimed all three points. The result leaves Turkiye rooted to the bottom of the group with four defeats from four matches.

France's next assignment is a trip to Milan to face Italy in their penultimate group fixture next month, a match that could go a long way toward determining which side finishes atop Group A1. Following that encounter, France will host Turkiye in their final group game.

Zidane, who took charge of the national team with considerable expectations attached, will be encouraged by his squad's resilience and the impact of his bench. The ability to call upon players of the calibre of Olise, Doue and Cherki speaks to the remarkable depth at France's disposal.

The late flurry also raises questions for Belgium's coaching staff, who will need to address their side's inability to manage the closing stages of matches against elite opposition. Maintaining concentration and defensive structure for the full ninety minutes remains a priority.

For France, the victory provides both points and momentum as they navigate a challenging group. With Italy looming in November, the confidence gained from this comeback win could prove invaluable.

The Stade de France crowd witnessed a performance that underscored the modern game's reliance on squad rotation and tactical substitutions. Zidane's willingness to make bold changes at a critical juncture ultimately proved the difference between defeat and a comprehensive victory.

As the Nations League group stage progresses, France's ability to produce goals from multiple sources — including players who begin matches on the bench — positions them as strong contenders to advance deep into the competition. Belgium, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to keep their own ambitions intact.