France produced a remarkable second-half comeback to beat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at home with all goals coming late.
The result looked unlikely for much of the night as the devils led 1-0 for more than an hour, but the host changed the game with three attacking substitutions and scored four times in the final 15 minutes.
The victory gives Zidane a strong position at the top of Nations League Group A1 with 10 points, while the devils remain on six points.
The result also gave Zinedine Zidane his first home win as head coach of the national team. France started the match with more of the ball but struggled to turn their possession into goals.
Estéban Lepaul had an early chance when his shot was saved by Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt. He also sent a header off target, while Bradley Barcola saw another effort saved.
Belgium had chances too, with Romelu Lukaku forcing Guillaume Restes into a save and Nicolas Raskin heading over the bar. The visitors then took the lead in the 35th minute of the encounter.
Romeo Lavia played a fine through ball during a quick counter-attack, sending Dodi Lukebakio through on goal. Lukebakio kept his composure and fired a left-footed shot into the top corner to make it 1-0.
The host tried to respond before half-time, but their opponent defended well. Ousmane Dembele had an effort blocked, while they continued to find it difficult for a leveler.
The visiting side went into the break with a 1-0 lead. The second half initially followed the same pattern from the half part of it which was hard for the host.
France pushed forward but could not find the equaliser. Dembele missed from inside the box, while Maxence Lacroix sent a long-range effort wide.
Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki also tested Vandevoordt after coming on within some minutes. Zidane’s substitutions finally changed the match at some point.
Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise and Lucas Da Cunha came on around the hour mark, while Desire Doue entered later. The fresh attacking players gave France more speed and creativity.
They equalised in the 77th minute when Lucas Da Cunha provided the assist for Desire Doue who received the ball outside the box and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
The goal made it 1-1 and completely changed the mood inside the stadium. Just four minutes later, they completed the comeback with another outstanding goal.
Michael Olise created space on the right and delivered a low cross into the box. Rayan Cherki arrived at the right moment and finished to put France 2-1 ahead.
Olise was credited with the assist for the goal as play carried on between both teams. The Bayern Munich player then took control of the match like he always do both for club and country.
In the 88th minute, Desire Doue set him up inside the box and the Bayern Munich winger finished from close range to make it 3-1. In stoppage time, Doue again provided the final pass, sending Olise through behind the Belgium defence.
The Skilful Olise finished calmly to complete his brace and make it 4-1. There were three yellow cards during the game.
France finished the match claiming a 4-1 victory against Belgium who were surprise to see themselves concede 4 goals under short time after defending so well all through.
France defender Maxence Lacroix was booked in the 69th minute. Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia received a yellow card in the 57th minute, while Joaquin Seys was booked in the 75th minute.
The host finished with 23 shots compared with their opponent’s five and had 66.5 percent possession. The final score, however, tells the biggest story after 90 minutes of action.
Belgium were competitive for more than 75 minutes, but France’s bench made the difference. Doue, Cherki and especially Olise turned a difficult night into a convincing 4-1 victory, giving Zidane an important home win and keeping France firmly in control of Group A1.
