Zinedine Zidane Applauds Michael Olise After Late Goal Secures France Win Over Belgium
Michael Olise’s Late Solo Goal Gives France Victory in Brussels
Zinedine Zidane expressed admiration for Michael Olise following the winger’s solo effort that clinched a 1-0 win for France against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League at the King Baudouin Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute, preserving France’s flawless start under their new manager.
Olise’s Brilliant Run Decides Tight Match
The match remained deadlocked until Olise, who came on as a substitute, took control of the ball deep in his half. With impressive control using his shoulder, the former Crystal Palace player embarked on a direct run, leaving Belgian defenders behind. After evading his marker, he calmly struck a low shot into the bottom corner, sealing the victory and sparking excitement from Zidane on the sidelines.
Despite the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe, France dominated possession but struggled to break down Mark van Bommel’s disciplined defense until Olise’s late intervention changed everything.
Zidane Praises Young Bayern Star
The French coach was thrilled with Olise’s impact, especially since he entered the game in the 77th minute replacing Bradley Barcola. Speaking after the match, Zidane lauded the 24-year-old’s technical skill and understanding of the game, hinting at the player’s special qualities as the national team evolves post-Didier Deschamps.
I saw him dribble past a defender, and I said to myself: He’s going to score. I cheered him on with all my heart. He is an extraordinary talent. I love this type of player. When he plays, he wants to entertain the fans. But it doesn’t stop there. He has a great sense of the game, he anticipates the opponent’s movements, and he knows when to attack and when to drop back.
France’s Dominance and Missed Opportunities
France created plenty of chances, firing 18 shots compared to Belgium’s 12. Desire Doue stood out with five attempts, including a shot that hit the woodwork. Debutant Lucas da Cunha also came close, his effort bouncing off the post. The French youngsters showed promise stepping up in the absence of captain Mbappe.
Belgium, led by Van Bommel, were tough to break down for much of the game. Their attack relied on the pace of Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio during counter-attacks, testing goalkeeper Mike Maignan several times. Still, Belgium’s defense ultimately gave way under Olise’s relentless drive.
Upcoming Fixtures and Outlook
Zidane’s tenure as France’s manager has started strongly with positive results despite some performance gaps. France will next face Italy on October 2, aiming to extend their winning streak and strengthen their position atop the UEFA Nations League table. Belgium will travel to Turkey on the same day, seeking to bounce back.
- UEFA Nations League A
- France (FRA) vs Italy (ITA): 2 Oct 2026, 21:45
- Belgium (BEL) vs Turkey (TUR): 2 Oct 2026, 21:45
