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

Zinedine Zidane was impressed by Michael Olise following his late solo goal that clinched a 1-0 victory for France against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. The match took place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

Olise’s Stunning Goal in the 88th Minute

The game remained scoreless until the 88th minute when substitute Olise made a remarkable run. Taking control of the ball near his own half with a shoulder touch, the former Crystal Palace player sped forward, leaving the Belgian defenders behind. After evading his marker, he calmly placed a low shot into the bottom corner, securing the win and sparking wild celebrations from Zidane on the sidelines.

Despite missing injured star Kylian Mbappe, France dominated possession but struggled to break through the solid defense organized by Mark van Bommel until Olise’s decisive moment.

Zidane Hails Bayern Winger’s Talent

Zidane expressed great admiration for Olise after the game. The young winger came on as a substitute in the 77th minute, replacing Bradley Barcola. The legendary French coach praised the 24-year-old’s technical skills and understanding of the game.

“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,” Zidane said.

France’s Strong Performance Despite Missed Opportunities

France created more chances throughout the match, taking 18 shots compared to Belgium’s 12. Desire Doue was particularly lively, hitting the woodwork during a display featuring five attempts on goal. Debutant Lucas da Cunha also nearly scored, his shot bouncing off the post.

Belgium, led by manager Mark van Bommel, proved difficult to break down for much of the match. They countered swiftly using Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio, forcing goalkeeper Mike Maignan into several saves. Their defense held firm until Olise’s direct run finally broke through.

Upcoming Fixtures for France and Belgium

• France will face Italy on October 2, 2026, at 21:45 in the UEFA Nations League A.
• Belgium will travel to play Turkey on October 2, 2026, at 21:45 in the UEFA Nations League B.

Zidane’s start as France’s international coach has been flawless in results, though the team’s performance still has room to grow. Their focus now shifts to the challenging match against Italy as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and strengthen their position at the top of the group. Meanwhile, Belgium looks to bounce back in Turkey to regain momentum in their campaign.