France overturn Belgium deficit with four-goal Nations League comeback

France recovered from a half-time deficit to beat Belgium 4-1 after a remarkable 14-minute turnaround in the second half of their Nations League meeting.

The result keeps France at the top of the group on 10 points, three clear of second-placed Italy, who have seven. Belgium remain third on six points under Dutch manager Mark van Bommel, while Turkey are bottom without a point.

France began the match looking to strengthen their position at the summit, but Belgium took the lead in the 35th minute. Dodi Lukebakio finished from a fine assist by Romeo Lavia, leaving the visitors 1-0 ahead at the interval.

France manager Zinedine Zidane responded at half-time with a triple substitution. Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue were introduced in place of Ousmane Dembele, Akliouche and Bradley Barcola.

The changes transformed the contest, with France needing only 14 minutes to move from behind to a commanding lead.

Doue began the revival in the 77th minute when he struck a superb low effort from outside the penalty area. His shot found the bottom-left corner of the Belgium goal to bring France level.

Four minutes later, France completed the turnaround. Olise sent a precise low cross into the penalty area and Cherki met it with a first-time touch that deceived the goalkeeper before finding the net. The goal put France 2-1 ahead in the 81st minute.

Olise then added a third in the 88th minute. After receiving a pass from Doue inside the area, the Bayern Munich forward finished first time to extend France’s advantage.

The same combination produced the fourth goal in the 90th minute. Doue supplied Olise once again, and the France forward placed his shot between the goalkeeper’s legs to complete his double.

France’s second-half performance turned a frustrating evening into a decisive victory, with Zidane’s substitutions proving significant and Olise, Doue and Cherki providing the attacking spark.

The win extends France’s lead at the top of the group to three points over Italy. Belgium’s defeat leaves them on six points, while Turkey remain without a point after the fourth round of matches.