Michael Olise comes off the bench to fire France past Belgium

Michael Olise scored a late winner as France defeated Belgium 1-0 at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday to maintain their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League campaign.

The France forward came off the bench before producing the decisive moment in the 88th minute, collecting a pass from Rayan Cherki before driving into the Belgian penalty area and finding the net with a shot from the edge of the box.

The victory gives France six points from their opening two matches and leaves them top of Group A, while Belgium remain on three points after suffering their first defeat.

Olise makes the difference

France were frustrated for much of the match, with the crossbar denying Desiree Doué in the 12th minute before Lucas Da Cunha struck the woodwork in the 53rd.

With the game still goalless late on, France coach Zinedine Zidane turned to his substitutes in an attempt to change the contest.

Ousmane Dembele was introduced in the 68th minute for Esteban Lepol, before Cherki and Olise entered 77 minutes into the match for Magnus Akliuch and Bradley Barkola.

The changes eventually paid off.

In the 88th minute, Cherki found Olise, who advanced past a Belgian defender before firing into the net to give France the lead.

France give opportunities to new players

Zidane’s team selection had attracted attention before kick-off, with several established players left on the bench.

Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and Olise were among those initially left out, while Kylian Mbappe missed the match through injury.

The match also saw Jeremy Jacquet, Annie Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha make their France debuts.

It was the first time since September 2022 that three players had made their senior France debuts in the same match.

France stay top of Group A

The result means France have won both of their opening Nations League matches and sit alone at the top of Group A with six points.

Belgium remain on three points in third place, behind Italy on goal difference, while Turkey are bottom without a point.

France will now look to build on their strong start, with Olise’s late intervention providing the difference in a closely contested meeting with Belgium.