France kept up their flawless record under Zinedine Zidane as Michael Olise scored in the 87th minute to earn a 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels. The away side controlled large portions of an engaging match but had to wait until the final moments to make the breakthrough.
Even though Zidane made nine alterations to his starting lineup, his team still carved out the better chances, with Désiré Doué posing a constant threat to the Belgian backline. Belgium defended stubbornly for much of the evening and generated opportunities of their own but were unable to get past Mike Maignan.
France dominates the early exchanges
France began the match energetically and almost went ahead when Pierre Kalulu broke in behind the Belgian defence before pulling the ball back for Esteban Lepaul, whose effort from close range cleared the crossbar. Doué then came within a whisker of scoring after dribbling past several defenders inside the area before hitting the woodwork.
Doué kept causing trouble on the right flank and soon whipped in another dangerous delivery for Lepaul, but Senne Lammens handled the striker’s first-time shot with ease. Belgium hit back through Kevin De Bruyne, whose pass across the box was cut out before France threatened again immediately through Bradley Barcola.
The visitors went close once more from a Maghnes Akliouche free-kick. Lammens pushed away the initial attempt and saved the follow-up, while Kalulu’s second effort beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line by Romeo Lavia.
Belgium had a chance before the break when Timothy Castagne picked out Charles De Ketelaere with a low cross. The forward teed up De Bruyne on the edge of the area, but the midfielder failed to hit the target.
Belgium holds firm against France’s pressure
Belgium created the first opportunity after the interval, moving the ball smoothly up the field before Maignan collected a low cross to snuff out the attack. France quickly restored their dominance, with Doué cutting inside and sending a curling shot just wide.
Debutant De Cunha then went close from long range, watching a powerful strike from about 30 yards cannon off the post. Doué tested Lammens again shortly after, with the goalkeeper making another fine save before Lepaul failed to control the rebound.
Just past the hour mark, Doué once more displayed his ability as he skipped past several Belgian defenders and got a shot away, but Lammens was equal to the effort again.
Belgium nearly made France pay against the run of play with 20 minutes left. De Ketelaere won the ball from Diouf and freed substitute Dodi Lukebakio, who sprinted through one-on-one. Maignan held his position, narrowed the angle, and denied the Benfica attacker.
Olise decides the Belgium encounter
As time ticked away, both sides kept hunting the decisive goal. France finally found it in the 87th minute when substitute Olise started a counterattack from inside his own half and surged towards the Belgian penalty area.
Olise stayed calm as he entered the box and coolly slotted the ball past Lammens into the bottom-left corner. After being frustrated by Belgium’s defensive resilience for nearly the entire match, France had at last made the breakthrough.
Belgium appealed for a late penalty, but the referee dismissed their protests. The hosts could not find an equaliser, leaving France with a 1-0 win and three points from an entertaining contest in Brussels.