Olise’s Late Double Seals France’s 4-1 Comeback vs Belgium

France 4-1 Belgium: Les Bleus Stage Stunning Second-Half Onslaught

The Stade de France erupted as France overturned a first-half deficit to demolish Belgium 4-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash, Michael Olise’s late brace capping a ruthless second-half display.

Dodi Lukebakio’s 35th-minute opener against the run of play had Belgium dreaming, but Didier Deschamps’ young guns responded with devastating effect after the break. Désiré Doué (77′), Rayan Cherki (81′) and Olise’s quickfire double (88′, 90+1′) turned the game on its head in a breathtaking 14-minute spell that left the Red Devils shellshocked.

Belgium’s False Dawn in Paris

Mark van Bommel’s side weathered early French pressure, Lukebakio punishing slack marking to slot home Romeo Lavia’s threaded pass against the tide. France had dominated possession (66%-34%) and territory but lacked cutting edge until Zinedine Zidane’s triple substitution on the hour.

The introduction of Doué and Cherki proved inspired. Belgium’s resistance crumbled as France peppered their box with 23 shots (14 inside it) – the dam finally breaking when Doué lashed home Lucas Da Cunha’s cutback. Then the floodgates opened.

France’s New Generation Takes Flight

Cherki’s neat finish and Olise’s late double – both assisted by the irrepressible Doué – showcased France’s frightening attacking depth. The Crystal Palace winger’s first was a composed side-foot after waltzing through Belgium’s exhausted backline; his second a thunderous near-post drive that sealed Belgium’s heaviest defeat in this fixture since 1993.

Van Bommel’s tactical gamble backfired spectacularly – substituting Lukaku and Lukebakio with half an hour remaining as Belgium managed just five shots all game. By contrast, France’s high-octane press squeezed the life from their opponents, winning eight free kicks and nine corners to Belgium’s four and two respectively.

What This Means for Both Nations

For France, this statement victory reinforces their status as Nations League favourites while blooding exciting talents. Olise (8.7 rating), Doué (two assists) and Cherki all staked claims for starting roles heading into the World Cup qualifiers.

Belgium’s defensive vulnerabilities – no blocked shots, just one offside – will alarm Van Bommel after heavy defeats to France and England this year. With veterans like Vertonghen and Alderweireld retired, this young backline was brutally exposed against elite opposition.

As the groups tighten, France march on with swagger while Belgium must regroup fast – the Red Devils’ golden generation now a fading memory as their rebuild hits a sobering reality check in Paris.