Michael Olise produced a moment of brilliance in the 88th minute as France edged Belgium 1-0 in a dramatic UEFA Nations League encounter. The win extended Les Bleus’ head-to-head winning streak against Belgium to six matches and sent France clear at the top of Group A1 after two games.
France Takes Control in a Lively First Half
After a brief delay, both teams stayed in the tunnel, and Belgium started aggressively. Brandon Mechele threatened inside the opening two minutes, but France gradually took control of possession.
Debutant Lucas Da Cunha settled quickly into the French midfield, while Désiré Doué emerged as one of the visitors’ biggest attacking threats.
Doué almost produced the breakthrough after dancing into the Belgian penalty area, only to smash his effort against the crossbar. He later created another opportunity for Esteban Lepaul, whose attempt was comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Belgium remained dangerous on the counter, with Kevin De Bruyne trying an audacious long-range effort from near the halfway line.
Belgium Survives French Pressure
France increased the pressure as the first half progressed.
Lammens denied Maghnes Akliouche from a free-kick before stopping Lepaul’s follow-up, while Romeo Lavia produced an important goal-line clearance to keep out Pierre Kalulu.
Belgium responded through Mika Godts and De Bruyne, but neither could find the target.
Despite the teams combining for 14 first-half attempts, the contest remained goalless at the interval.
Woodwork Denies Les Bleus Again
France resumed with even greater attacking intent.
Doué curled narrowly wide before Da Cunha unleashed an excellent long-range strike that crashed against the post. It was the second time the woodwork had denied France.
Akliouche also had an effort blocked by Youri Tielemans, while Lepaul failed to convert another promising rebound after Doué had forced Lammens into action.
The Belgian goalkeeper was becoming increasingly important as France searched for the decisive goal.
Belgium Threatens the Counter
Belgium refused to defend simply.
Diego Moreira fired wide before substitute Dodi Lukebakio tested Mike Maignan following an explosive run into the French penalty area. Lukebakio later found another dangerous position, but Maignan once again stood firm.
Charles De Ketelaere also saw an attempt blocked by Maxence Lacroix as Belgium pushed for a late winner.
But with the match seemingly heading towards a draw, France’s bench provided the decisive moment.
Michael Olise Delivers the Late Winner
Michael Olise struck in the 88th minute to settle the contest.
The substitute collected possession and effortlessly carried the ball forward before calmly directing his finish into the bottom corner.
After numerous chances, two efforts off the woodwork and several impressive saves from Lammens, France finally broke through.
Olise’s individual quality proved enough to secure all three points.
France Strengthen Their Nations League Position
The 0-1 win over Belgium continued Les Bleus’ impressive recent dominance in this fixture, marking their sixth consecutive head-to-head victory over Belgium.
France also stretched their unbeaten away run to six matches and moved clear at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1 after two rounds.
For Belgium, the defeat ended their six-match unbeaten home run despite a competitive performance against their European rivals.
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Final Word
Belgium made France work for every opportunity, but Les Bleus ultimately possessed the match-winner they needed.
After the woodwork denied Doué and Da Cunha and Lammens repeatedly frustrated the French attack, Michael Olise needed just one late opening to transform the night.
His 88th-minute strike sealed a hard-earned 1-0 France victory over Belgium, strengthened France’s position at the top of Group A1 and extended their recent dominance over the Red Devils.
