France wins in Belgium thanks to Michael Olise and takes the lead in Group A of the League of Nations

At the end of the suspense. But so deserved... Dominant and attractive for most of the match, despite the numerous changes in the 11, the Blues won in Belgium (0-1) this Monday, for their second outing under the orders of Zinédine Zidane and on behalf of the second day of the Nations League. They made the difference through incoming Michael Olise in the 88th minute, while Mark van Bommel's Red Devils were in a strong moment. Victory which allows the Tricolores to take the reins in the group A ranking.

“Zizou” had changed almost everything compared to the 1-0 victory in Turkey last Friday, with no less than nine changes in the starting 11, including three players who were playing their first match in Blue (Diouf, Jacquet, Da Cunha) and the first start of Estéban Lepaul, who celebrated his first cap by entering at the very end of the game in Izmit. Three newbies in the same match for the French team, this is a first since August 11, 2010, when Laurent Blanc launched six newcomers against Norway (Rami, Cissokho, N'Zogbia, Hoarau, Ruffier, M'Vila). It was the day after Knysna and the 2010 World Cup fiasco.

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The Blues in control

With this large turnover, no one was surprised to see Belgium give the first blows, notably with this thrill born from the swaying dribbles of the neo-Parisian Godts (2nd). However, it didn't last very long. The Blues quickly took control of operations, with great technical mastery and the first strikes: Lepaul above (5th), Doué on the bar after a tasty double contact (12th), Lammens called upon by Lepaul (16th) and Barcola (19th), the latter being the victim of a small unsanctioned stroll in the area (21st). The Devils found space on the counter but they were still very close to breaking down on a triple opportunity, a double save from Lammens and a save on the line from Lavia (27th)!

In short, a good first half hour in France despite the air gaps in the Belgian transitions, with Doué and Da Cuhna in the spotlight on the French side and Godts, for the Belgians. Zidane's men only lacked efficiency, who continued to dominate in terms of possession while suffering from rapid attacks (0-0 MT). The stats at the break? Nearly 64% possession for the Blues, nine shots to five and four shots on target to nothing, 61% of duels won, four corners to one... All the lights are green, except... the score.

Still these Belgian counterattacks at the start of the second half at 1000 miles an hour, with several balls to negotiate for Maignan. But the Devils were especially happy to keep their goal clean, with Doué always more dangerous (52nd, 56th, 62nd) and Da Cunha who found the post on a cross shot (53rd). And this mastery, with long sequences of possession. The Blues were only missing one goal. Pay attention, however, to this rise of Kalulu which offered a boulevard to the ex-Strasbourger Moreira (62nd).

Maignan shows up, Olise puts the lid on

The Belgians finally had a strong moment, with several situations and in particular Maignan who won against the incoming Lukébakio twice (73rd, 78th). “Magic Mike” in his works. And Van Bommel's men who pushed hard, France having lost its control despite the entries of Dembélé, Cherki and Olise. Hard for these Blues who were nevertheless rewarded for their efforts thanks to this victorious rush from Olise, who crucified Belgium from the left (0-1, 88th). Eighth goal in Blue for him. And the celebration of a totally overjoyed Zidane on the sidelines. A goal which was worth three points (0-1 final score) for the leaders in the standings.

See you Friday against Italy for the third match of this first gathering under the orders of “ZZ”. His first match as coach on the pitch of a venue he knows relatively well, the Stade de France, where he notably gave the Blues the world title with a double against Brazil, in the final of the 98 World Cup. This internship will end on October 5 with the reception of Belgium, again in Saint-Denis.