Zidane makes French history with winning start after Belgium victory

Zinedine Zidane has become only the fourth manager in France’s history to win his first two official matches in charge after his side beat Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League.

France secured victory in Monday evening’s Group A fixture to maintain Zidane’s perfect start as successor to Didier Deschamps. The result followed a 1-0 win against Turkey in the opening round of the competition.

According to statistics provider Stats Foot, Zidane has joined a select group of France managers to begin their reigns with victories in their first two competitive matches.

Henri Guerin achieved the feat in 1964, Henri Michel followed in 1984 and Aime Jacquet did so in 1994.

Zidane, who is now leading France after Deschamps’ departure, will take charge of the team for a third Group A match against Italy on 2 October.

Deschamps did not begin his own France tenure with a victory. His first match as manager ended in a goalless draw against Uruguay in a friendly in August 2012.

France’s latest win over Belgium therefore gives Zidane a notable early landmark, with his opening two official fixtures both ending by a 1-0 scoreline.