Zinedine Zidane Applauds Michael Olise After Late Goal Secures France Win Over Belgium

Zinedine Zidane was full of admiration for Michael Olise after the Bayern Munich winger scored a stunning solo goal to give France a 1-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League at Brussels.

Olise's Moment of Brilliance in Brussels

The match at King Baudouin Stadium remained tight until the 88th minute when substitute Olise broke the deadlock. Starting from his own half, Olise controlled the ball on his shoulder before driving forward with pace, leaving the Belgian defenders behind. He shrugged off a marker and calmly placed a low shot into the bottom corner, sealing the win and sending Zidane into celebration on the sidelines.

Despite missing injured star Kylian Mbappe, France held most of the possession but struggled against Mark van Bommel’s organized defense until Olise's late strike changed everything.

Zidane Celebrates Olise's Talent and Impact

The French coach was thrilled by the contribution of his young winger, who came on in the 77th minute for Bradley Barcola. In post-match comments, Zidane praised Olise’s technical skills and football intelligence, highlighting how special the player is as he rebuilds the national squad following Didier Deschamps' exit.

"I saw him dribble past a defender, and I said to myself: He's going to score. I was cheering him on with all my heart. He is an extraordinary talent. I love this type of player. When he plays, he wants to entertain the fans. But it doesn't stop there. He has a great sense of the game, he anticipates the opponent’s movements, and he knows when to attack and when to drop back."

France Dominates Yet Misses Chances

France could have secured the win earlier, taking 18 shots compared to Belgium's 12. Desire Doue was lively in attack, hitting the woodwork and registering five attempts on goal. Debutant Lucas da Cunha also nearly scored when his shot bounced off the post, showing promise as the French youngsters stepped up in Mbappe's absence.

Belgium, coached by Mark van Bommel, remained resilient for most of the match. Their counter-attacks, led by Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio, tested goalkeeper Mike Maignan multiple times. Still, their disciplined defense finally gave way under Olise’s direct run.

Upcoming Fixtures for France and Belgium

France, unbeaten under Zidane's management, now prepare for a crucial clash with Italy on October 2, aiming to extend their winning streak and solidify their top spot in the group. Meanwhile, Belgium will face Turkey on the same day, seeking to revive their Nations League campaign.

• UEFA Nations League A
• France (FRA) vs Italy (ITA): October 2, 2026, 21:45
• Belgium (BEL) vs Turkey (TUR): October 2, 2026, 21:45