Belgium
France broke Belgian hearts with an 88th-minute Michael Olise winner to claim a gritty 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory in Brussels – a smash-and-grab raid underpinned by 65% possession against their increasingly frustrated hosts.
The cagey first half
Under the Brussels floodlights, Belgium’s defence held firm against early French probing. Thibaut Courtois’ understudy Senne Lammens made two sharp saves before the break, while at the other end Diego Moreira’s reckless challenge earned the first yellow card of a tetchy encounter on 42 minutes.
Belgium’s discipline unravels
The second half saw Kevin De Bruyne’s frustration boil over, the captain booked on 57 minutes before being hooked six minutes later. Youri Tielemans joined him in the book as Belgium’s midfield lost its composure, completing a triple substitution as Van Bommel gambled on fresh legs.
France’s patience pays
Zidane’s changes proved decisive – introducing Olise and Cherki just 9 minutes before their crucial combination. With Belgium stretched, substitute Rayan Cherki slipped a perfect through-ball for Olise to slot past Lammens with cold-blooded precision, the clock reading 88 minutes when French joy erupted in the away end.
What this means
The three points send France top of their Nations League group while leaving Belgium winless after two matches. For Les Bleus, it’s a statement win without Mbappé; for the Red Devils, familiar questions about their fading golden generation linger as Van Bommel’s new era stutters.
Key Moments
88′ ⚽ France — Michael Olise (assist: Rayan Cherki)
