NEWS
4 Goals in 14 Minutes: Olise Show Prevents Zidane's First Defeat
For 77 minutes, France struggled against Belgium's defense, but then Doue broke the deadlock before Cherki and Olise secured the win within 14 minutes.
France secured a late 4-1 victory over Belgium on the fourth matchday of the UEFA Nations League.
In a first half with few chances, France had more of the play overall, but the Zidane squad rarely threatened the opponent's goal.
Barcola had the first good opportunity, using his speed on the left flank but failing to beat Vandevoordt (16.).
Belgium lies in wait for counter-attacks
Lepaul, who recently played with Stade Rennes in the Europa League in Graz, also had a shot on goal in his starting eleven debut for the national team. Following an assist from Dembele, however, the striker sent the ball well over the goal (31.).
Then Belgium struck: Lavia sent Lukebakio through with a strong pass, and he slotted home completely unmarked for the 1-0 lead (35.).
Clear Chance Advantage for France
After the break, France increased the pressure against a deep-lying Belgian side and created chance after chance.
Initially, Dembele had an opportunity to equalize with a curled shot from close range, but he put the ball past the goal (53.).
In the 67th minute, Cherki tried a long-range effort, but Vandevoordt denied the equalizer with a brilliant save.
Shortly after, Barcola had an unmarked shot on goal after a cross from Olise, but he put the ball just wide of the goal (72.).
Doue, Cherki, and Olise Rescue Zidane
In the 77th minute, Doue finally broke the deadlock, scoring the 1-1 equalizer with a low shot from a turn.
Things then moved quickly: just four minutes later, Cherki scored from close range after an Olise assist, giving France a 2-1 lead (81.).
Then the great Olise show began: The Bayern star, who only came on in the 60th minute, first scored in the 88th minute and then completed his brace just two minutes later after a Doue assist.
Italy on the Rise Again
Italy won the parallel match in Group 1 against Turkey. After Scamacca's opener (26.), Simsir initially equalized for the Turks (61.).
But just three minutes later, Calafiori put Italy back on track, scoring the 2-1 goal for the next victory in the second Mancini era (64.). Pio Esposito sealed the 3-1 win (87.).
Turkey thus looks back on a completely botched campaign. After four matchdays, they remain without a point.
