Michael Olise inspired France to a stunning 4-1 comeback victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, scoring twice and setting up another goal to give Zinedine Zidane his first home win since taking charge.
Belgium appeared on course for their first competitive victory over France in 45 years after Dodi Lukebakio fired the visitors ahead in the first half at the Stade de France.
However, France produced a blistering late comeback, scoring four times in the final 13 minutes to maintain Zidane’s unbeaten start and strengthen their position at the top of Group A1.
Desire Doue restored parity in the 77th minute with a low drive from the edge of the area before Olise set up Rayan Cherki four minutes later to put France ahead.
Olise then took centre stage, scrambling home France’s third goal in the 88th minute before adding a fourth in stoppage time following impressive work from Doue.
The Bayern Munich winger had already scored the winner when France defeated Belgium 1-0 in Brussels last week, making him decisive in both meetings between the sides during the international window.
The victory moved France three points clear of Italy at the top of Group A1, while Belgium remained a further point behind. Italy defeated Turkey 3-1 in Bologna to condemn their opponents to a fourth consecutive defeat.
Zidane made wholesale changes to his starting XI, with only Ousmane Dembele retaining his place among the 10 alterations. Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes made their France debuts, while Dembele captained the side in the absence of injured Kylian Mbappe.
Belgium, without suspended duo Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, stunned the hosts when Romeo Lavia split the French defence with a superb pass, allowing Lukebakio to race through and finish clinically.
France pressed for an equaliser, with Belgium debutant goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt denying Esteban Lepaul and Cherki.
The pressure finally paid off when Doue gathered the ball and fired a low shot beyond Vandevoordt to level the contest.
Four minutes later, Olise delivered again, providing the cutback for Cherki to turn home and give France the lead.
Olise then completed his remarkable individual performance with two late goals, sealing a 4-1 victory and a dramatic turnaround for the hosts.
