Michael Olise Delivers Again As France Overcome Belgium in Nations League Thriller

Michael Olise came on as a substitute and scored a late winner to help France beat Belgium 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League. The result also marked France’s sixth straight win against Belgium.

The match started a little late as both teams were kept in the tunnel before coming onto the pitch. Once the game got underway, France started on the front foot, but Belgium created the first chance when Brandon Mechele’s header was blocked within the opening two minutes.

France began to take control as debutant Lucas Da Cunha broke through the Belgian defence to take the first shot, however, it was comfortably blocked by the keeper. Desire Doue then came close after making his way into the Belgian box, but his shot crashed against the crossbar, leaving France without a breakthrough in the early stages.

Belgium also had their moments going forward. Kevin De Bruyne tried his luck from close to the halfway line, but his ambitious effort went wide, leaving the Red Devils without a lead in the first half.

France then came close to breaking the deadlock before the half-hour mark. Lammens made two saves in quick succession, first keeping out Akliouche’s free-kick and then stopping Lepaul’s follow-up.

Belgium also responded as Mika Godts and Kevin De Bruyne both tried their luck, but neither could hit the target. Despite plenty of chances, the first half ended without a goal, with 14 shots recorded between the two teams.

France continued to look more dangerous after the restart. Doue came close again when his curling effort went just wide, while Da Cunha came even closer as his long-range strike hit the post. Youri Tielemans then got in the way of Akliouche’s attempt before Lepaul sent the rebound wide after Lammens had saved another effort from Doue.

With the match heading towards a draw, Olise finally changed the game in the 88th minute. The French forward picked up the ball, drove into the attacking area and finished calmly into the bottom corner. His goal was enough to give France all three points and move them clear at the top of Group A1 after two games.

The victory also extended France’s unbeaten run away from home to six matches. Belgium, meanwhile, saw their six-game unbeaten record on home soil come to an end.