Zinedine Zidane praised his team’s “total performance” after France rallied to defeat Belgium in their Nations League match.
France secured a 4-1 victory at the Stade de France, though Zidane’s unbeaten streak with Les Bleus was seriously challenged when Dodi Lukebakio scored in the 35th minute, leaving France trailing as the match approached the final 13 minutes.
Fortunately, Zidane’s substitutions proved effective, as Desire Doue equalized before Rayan Cherki put France in the lead just four minutes later.
Michael Olise then capped off the match with two quick goals, having also assisted Cherki’s earlier score, solidifying a remarkable comeback that takes France closer to the quarter-finals.
France dominated the game, with the final score reflecting their superiority, and Zidane celebrated the impressive turnaround.
“This is soccer, this is what we love,” Zidane remarked.
“We encountered some challenges in the first half, but that’s part of the game; these matches are bound to happen. It’s great to correct things – which we did – and we put on an extraordinary second half.”
Les Bleus finish the international break top of their Nations League group with 10 points: 3 wins, 1 draw, 7 goals scored, and 2 more matches scheduled in November, against Italy and Türkiye. https://t.co/2hjSi1c8WJ
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) October 5, 2026
“We anticipated that the substitutes could turn the match around because they are excellent players,” Zidane continued.
“But it was a complete team effort; while the substitutes made a significant impact when they entered, every player contributed over these past two weeks, which stands out to me.”
Doue, Cherki, and Olise were all phenomenal, each creating two scoring opportunities, while Olise’s four shots were only surpassed by Ousmane Dembele’s five.
Olise has found the back of the net in his last three Nations League matches, scoring four goals total, which is more than any other French player this international break.
“It’s a collective effort,” Olise stated.
“Zidane offers us ideas, and we execute them well – we’ve done that effectively over these last four matches, and we aim to maintain this momentum.”
Fan Take: This news highlights France’s resilience and depth, showcasing their potential as serious contenders in international soccer. For fans, Zidane’s leadership and the team’s collective talent could mean exhilarating matches ahead and increased excitement during upcoming tournaments.
Source: www.soccernews.com
