FEATURE | Three things we learn as France defeat Belgium at the death to maintain 100% record for Zinédine Zidane | OneFootball

France snatched victory for Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League against Belgium thanks to Michael Olise’s brilliant solo goal.

Lucas Da Cunha impresses with fearless debut

The introduction of the diminutive Como midfielder was a long-awaited fixture of France’s camp since Zinédine Zidane called him up. For his maiden international bow, Da Cunha was tasked to anchor Zidane’s midfield as the deep-lying No. 6, and he wasted no time in proving Zidane right. Da Cunha nullified Youri Tielemans’ influence. Technical quality and vision of the game were also on show with several precise diagonals pinged to every area of the pitch. His understanding of his teammates’ movement, work-load and defensive contributions were equally remarkable.

In recent years, France have been crying out for a technically-gifted left-footed central midfielder, they may have found him in the former winger turned midfielder by Como midfielder Cesc Fabregas. His performance should have been capped off with the goal he craved as his left-footer could only smashed Senne Lammens’ post. He was not the only debutant to shine as Jérémy Jacquet and Andy Diouf also deserved credits.

Has Zinédine Zidane cracked the right formula?

If Friday’s outing against Türkiye has been overshadowed by Zidane’s managerial debut and Kylian Mbappé’s injury, the last few days has seen the new France boss open up about how he wanted his team to look like: a high-pressing offensive-minded 4-3-3. Compared to last Friday’s game played on Izmit’s sorry pitch, tonight’s Nations League fixture was a joy to watch, and France played a big part in that. Despite the change in personnel, with only Mike Maignan and Maxence Lacroix earning a recall, Les Bleus have quickly enough shown some blueprint of the Zidane era.

The excellent Maxence Lacroix and Jérémy Jacquet have been very involved in building play from the back, cutting the lines as well. Despite featuring three left-footed midfielders, every one of them played a significant part, not least Da Cunha. For his return to the international fore, Eduardo Camavinga put in a tireless shift on the left whereas Maghnes Akliouche had a solid outing in a role that looks taylor-made for Rayan Cherki. But what stands out is the instant understanding between players that had never played together before this international break.

Wastefulness in the final third remains cause for concern

There’s very little cause for concern as long as the wins keep on coming for Zidane’s France, but tonight’s Brussels victory could have been decided earlier than the 89th-minute, when substitute Michael Olise delivered the goods. This is one of Zidane’s, and France, greatest strengths to rely on individual brilliance to break the deadlock, like Kylian Mbappé did for Friday’s slender victory against Türkiye.

Estéban Lepaul’s maiden start for France will not live long in memory, as the Rennes centre-forward was not enough found in shooting positions. And when he was, he made no difference. However, the more senior Bradley Barcola could also have done better. Ousmane Dembélé’s cameo was very forgettable too. Désiré Doué was the only bright spark in France’s attacking set-up with a mesmerising display of dribbling ability. Les Bleus have hit the woodwork twice, and only one shot out of three was on target. In the absence of Mbappé, the team must improve in the final third to come ever closer to be the complete package.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval