Full Breakdown
France overturns deficit to beat Belgium 4-1 in Nations League thriller
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Match: Late surge secures France’s 4-1 victory
On October 5, France recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit to defeat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France in a UEFA Nations League Group A1 encounter. Dodi Lukébakio opened the scoring in the 35th minute, but substitutes Désiré Doué (77´), Rayan Cherki (81´) and Michael Olise (88´ and 90+1´) produced four goals in the final 14 minutes. The win gave France ten points, three ahead of Italy and four clear of Belgium, securing top spot in the group.
Background & Context
Zidane’s side entered the match having already beaten Belgium 1-0 in Brussels a week earlier and holding Italy to a 1-1 draw at home. The fixture was the last of four Nations League games in the international window, with both teams missing key midfielders: Belgium were without captain Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne after suspensions announced on October 3. For France, the result marked Zidane’s first home victory as manager.
Timeline
- 35´ – Lukébakio scores after Roméo Lavia’s pass, putting Belgium ahead.
- 77´ – Doué levels with a low left-footed shot from the edge of the box.
- 81´ – Cherki puts France ahead, finishing from an Olise cross.
- 88´ – Olise scores his first of the night, latching onto a Doué pass.
- 90+1´ – Olise adds a second, sealing the comeback.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: France 4 – 1 Belgium.
- Points after match: France 10, Italy 7, Belgium 6, Turkey 0.
- Substitutes contributed all four French goals.
- Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt earned his first cap; France goalkeeper Guillaume Restes also debuted.
Official Statements & Responses
Zidane told French broadcaster TF1 that the first half presented “difficulties” but emphasized the team’s ability to correct the course, describing the second half as “extraordinary.” Olise echoed the collective effort, saying the squad “followed Zidane’s ideas” and that “everyone played their part.” Belgium coach Mark van Bommel acknowledged his side’s “sloppy possession” and the need to eliminate such lapses to improve future performances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That’s football, that’s what we love. There were difficulties, but that’s part of the game, part of the kinds of matches you can have,” — Zinedine Zidane
- “Tonight, this is soccer, this is what we love,” — Zinedine Zidane
- “We knew the substitutes could change the game because they are high-quality players,” — Zinedine Zidane
- “I think this was a great performance tonight against one of the best teams in the world, with very positive aspects to it," said Mancini.” — Roberto Mancini, coach
What’s Next
France will travel to Milan for their penultimate group match against Italy next month, while Belgium’s next Nations League fixture remains to be scheduled. Both teams aim to maintain or improve their positions ahead of the quarter-finals slated for March.