Olise's 88th-Minute Wonderstrike Seals France Win in Belgium as Zidane Era Gains Momentum

Michael Olise produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 88th minute to hand France a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels on Monday, extending Zinedine Zidane's perfect start as the national team's head coach to two matches in the UEFA Nations League.

The Bayern Munich winger, who entered the fray as a 77th-minute substitute for Liverpool's Bradley Barcola, collected the ball deep inside his own half before embarking on a driving run that carried him to the edge of the Belgian penalty area. From there, he curled a precise effort beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the bottom-left corner, sending the away supporters into raptures and securing all three points at the King Baudouin Stadium.

The result leaves France atop Nations League Group A1 with six points from their opening two fixtures, three clear of both Belgium and Italy. The Azzurri kept pace with Les Bleus by recording a convincing 4-1 victory away to Turkiye on the same evening, ensuring the group standings remain tightly contested ahead of the next round of matches.

Zidane, who took charge following Didier Deschamps' departure after the World Cup, has now overseen back-to-back 1-0 victories. His tenure began with a hard-fought success in Turkiye last Friday, a match in which captain Kylian Mbappe scored the winner before picking up a knee injury that has ruled him out of the trip to Brussels.

The France boss was forced to shuffle his pack significantly for the Belgium clash, making nine changes to the side that started in Turkiye. Only goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix retained their places in the lineup, highlighting the depth of talent at Zidane's disposal and his willingness to rotate during a congested international window.

Among the notable inclusions were two debutants. Lucas Da Cunha of Como was handed his first cap in midfield, while Esteban Lepaul of Rennes — the top scorer in Ligue 1 last season — made his maiden appearance in attack. Both players seized their opportunity, with Da Cunha coming close to marking his debut with a goal early in the second half when he struck the post.

Belgium, by contrast, opted for continuity. New head coach Mark van Bommel, taking charge of his first home match after replacing the previous regime, made just two changes to the team that had impressed in a 2-0 victory over Italy last Friday. The Red Devils entered the contest with confidence, buoyed by that result and backed by a partisan home crowd in the Belgian capital.

France, however, controlled large portions of the game and created the clearer chances. Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue came closest in the first half when he cracked a shot against the crossbar, while Da Cunha's effort after the interval rattled the woodwork once more. Despite their dominance in possession and opportunities, the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough as the match appeared to be drifting toward a goalless draw.

That was until Olise's introduction changed the complexion of the contest. The London-born attacker, who was widely regarded as one of the standout performers at the recent World Cup where France reached the semifinals, demonstrated exactly why he is considered among the most exciting talents in European football. His solo goal — a lung-bursting run from his own half culminating in a composed finish — was a moment of genuine quality that settled an otherwise attritional encounter.

The victory carries significant implications for France's Nations League campaign. With maximum points from their first two matches, Les Bleus have established an early advantage in a group that also contains two traditional heavyweights in Belgium and Italy. The format of the competition rewards consistency, and Zidane's men have laid down a marker with their disciplined, if not always spectacular, performances.

Attention now turns to Friday, when France will host Italy at the Stade de France in what promises to be an emotionally charged occasion. The fixture will mark Zidane's first home match in charge of the national team, a symbolic homecoming for a figure who is revered in French football folklore. The 1998 World Cup winner and former Real Madrid manager will undoubtedly receive a hero's reception in Paris.

Following that marquee fixture, France will remain at the Stade de France to entertain Belgium next Monday, offering Van Bommel's side an immediate opportunity for revenge. Belgium will be eager to respond after suffering a narrow defeat on home soil, and the return fixture provides them with a chance to close the gap at the top of the group.

For Zidane, the early signs are encouraging. Two wins from two, a solid defensive record with just one goal conceded, and the emergence of fresh faces like Da Cunha and Lepaul suggest a smooth transition from the Deschamps era. The absence of Mbappe, France's talisman and captain, for these fixtures has not derailed the team's momentum, underscoring the squad's resilience and collective strength.

Olise's late intervention also raises questions about his role going forward. Having proven his ability to influence matches from the bench, the Bayern Munich man may push for a starting berth in the coming fixtures. His versatility and directness give Zidane valuable tactical options as France navigate a demanding schedule of competitive matches.

Belgium, meanwhile, will reflect on a missed opportunity. Despite a strong showing against Italy days earlier, they were unable to break down a disciplined French defence and paid the price for a momentary lapse in concentration. Van Bommel will need to lift his players quickly, with the trip to Paris on the horizon offering little time for recovery or complacency.

In the broader context of the Nations League, the result reinforces France's status as one of the teams to beat. The competition, which has grown in prestige since its inception, offers nations a pathway to major tournament qualification and silverware. For Zidane, a man accustomed to winning the biggest prizes as both a player and a coach, the Nations League represents a meaningful opportunity to add to his legacy on the international stage.

As the final whistle blew in Brussels, the focus shifted immediately to the tantalizing prospect of Zidane's home debut against Italy. With maximum points secured and confidence building, France appear well-positioned to make a serious challenge for the Nations League title. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Olise, whose late moment of magic ensured a satisfying journey home for the French contingent.