PLAYER RATINGS | Belgium 0-1 France: Olise’s wonder goal sees Les Bleus on top in entertaining encounter to maintain Zidane’s winning start | OneFootball

UEFA Nations League, Matchday 2, 28/09/2026

Zindedine Zidane fielded a refreshed line-up in his second game as France boss, handing full debuts to Lucas Da Cunha, Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf and Esteban Lepaul. Despite their inexperience, Les Bleus dominated for much of the game but had to wait to the final two minutes for Olise to snatch the win following a terrific run.

The match:

Les Bleus had the first opportunity of the game through Esteban Lepaul. The Rennes striker was teed up by Doué, but he couldn’t test Lammens in goal. Doué went agonisingly close to opening the scoring himself after slicing through the Belgian defence with relative ease with some quick feet, only to be denied by the woodwork. Lepaul should have opened the scoring again with a chance from close range, but once again he couldn’t beat the Manchester United goalkeeper. Belguim almost opened the scoring themselves shortly after as De Bruyne looked for De Ketelaare. However, Da Cunha was in the right place at the right time to intercept the Napoli midfielder’s cross.

Akliouche tested Lammens from distance with a free kick but again, the goalkeeper came up with the results and denied France finding the back of the net. Lepaul found another effort saved from a tight angle following the free kick. Lammens turned the ball into a dangerous area with Kalulu centimetres away from opening the scoring, only for Lavia to clear the ball off his line to keep the scores level.

Doué went close in the second half to finding the bottom corner after finding space on the edge of the are but his effort was just wide. Barcola teed up Lepaul with a good cross and he connected with a header which almost found the bottom corner. Nevertheless, it was Da Cunha that went closest for Les Bleus in the opening stages of the second half. The Como midfielder unleashed an effort from distance only to be denied by the post. Doué continued to push for an opener but was denied again by Lammens. The rebound fell to Lepaul, who yet again, failed to direct his effort on target.

Despite France’s dominance, Belguim also had opportunities. Moreira went close on the hour mark after an impressive run. However, he couldn’t direct his effort on distance on target. Lukebakio also went close for the hosts after bursting through on goal, but Maignan was able to come up with the goods on the rare occasion he was required and produced a good stop. The hosts came on strong in the final half an hour as Godts fired an effort home from a tight angle after navifating his way into the area, only to find the side netting. With 15 minutes remaining, the stalemate was yet to be broken and Belgium appeared to be the team in the ascendancy.

With Zidance calling upon the experience and attacking quality available to him from the bench, Les Bleus almost found their breakthrough as Olise picked out Cherki with a cross. Yet, the ball never reached the Manchester City playmaker thanks to a brilliant intervention from De Cuyper. It took 88 minutes for the first goal of the match, but Olise made it well worth the wait. Brigning the ball down with a magnificent touch with his shoulder in his own half, the playmaker ran from his own half to the Belgian penalty area, showing great feet before picking out the bottom corner with a calm finish. A beautiful goal worthy of waiting for, leaving his manager overjoyed on the sidelines to make it two wins from two in his start to life as the Les Bleus boss.

France player ratings

Mike Maignan – 5

Pierre Kalulu – 5

Jérémy Jacquet – 7

The Liverpool defender showed he belongs on the international level. Making his debut for Les Bleus, the defender wasn’t fazed by the occassion. He looked comfortable on the ball and assured when he was called into action. Although his opportunity came around due to injuries at the back for Les Bleus, but he has certainly given Zidane plenty to think about.

Maxence Lacroix – 5

Andy Diouf – 5

Lucas Da Cunha – 7

Eduardo Camavinga – 5

Maghnes Akliouche – 6

Bradley Barcola – 5

Esteban Lepaul – 5

It was a lively full debut for the Rennes striker. The Frenchman constantly found himself in dangerous positions and was well-found by his teammates. However, he couldn’t beat Lammens between the posts for Belgium. On another evening, he could have scored three goals in the first half alone. If he continues in the same vein and can find his scoring boots, it won’t be the last we see of him for France.

Désiré Doué – 7

Whether it be lightning quick feet or constantly beating Seys with ease on the right flank, the PSG attacking midfielder was constantly involved for Les Bleus. The Frenchman danced his way into the penalty area on numerous occasions and managed to pick out a teammate or get his shot away. Only the crossbar denied him from capping off a brilliant performance with a goal.

GFFN | Liam Wraith