OLISE SPARKS STUNNING FRANCE 4-1 COMEBACK AGAINST BELGIUM

Read Time:2 Minute, 16 Second

Agency Report

Michael Olise came off the bench to inspire France to a 4-1 comeback victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, giving Zinedine Zidane his first home win since taking charge of the national team.

Dodi Lukebakio had put Belgium ahead in the first half at the Stade de France, raising hopes of a first competitive victory over France in 45 years.

However, France produced a stunning late comeback, scoring four goals in the final 13 minutes to maintain Zidane’s unbeaten start and move closer to securing a place in the quarter-finals.

Desire Doue levelled the scores in the 77th minute with a low strike from the edge of the penalty area before Olise set up Rayan Cherki to put France ahead four minutes later.

READ MORE…

RIVERS NDC CANDIDATE PLEDGES SALARY, ALLOWANCES TO WIDOWS IF ELECTED

Olise then extended France’s lead in the 88th minute before completing his outstanding performance with another goal in stoppage time.

France had also defeated Belgium 1-0 in Brussels the previous week, with Olise scoring the late winner. Monday’s victory moved France three points clear of Italy at the top of Group A1, while Belgium remained another point behind.

Italy strengthened their position with a 3-1 victory over Turkey in Bologna, condemning the visitors to a fourth consecutive defeat.

Zidane, a former World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or recipient, made extensive changes to his starting line-up for the final match of the international window, with only Ousmane Dembele retaining his place among the 10 changes.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes made their France debuts, while Dembele once again captained the team in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe.

Belgium were without suspended midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans but took advantage of France’s slow start.

Romeo Lavia produced an excellent pass to split the French defence, allowing Lukebakio to race through before calmly finishing to give Belgium the lead.

Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, also making his international debut, kept out efforts from Esteban Lepaul and Cherki as France searched for an equaliser.

The pressure eventually paid off when Doue collected the ball and fired a low shot beyond Vandevoordt to restore parity.

Four minutes later, Cherki converted a cutback from Olise to put France ahead, with the Bayern Munich winger emerging as the decisive figure in the closing stages.

Olise added France’s third in the 88th minute before completing the rout in stoppage time following a fine piece of individual play from Doue.

The victory preserved France’s unbeaten run under Zidane and strengthened their position at the top of Group A1.

AFP