Michael Olise Strikes Late as France Win in Brussels
Kabarsaji.com – France claimed a 1-0 away victory over Belgium in UEFA Nations League A Group 1 after Michael Olise scored in the 88th minute at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Western Indonesian Time.
The tight result gave Les Bleus six points from their opening two group fixtures and moved them into first place. Belgium, who had begun the round with three points, slipped into second position. The next scheduled group matches will see Belgium take on Turkey, while France welcome Italy.
Olise, introduced during the second half, made the decisive contribution after France had spent much of the evening creating chances without finding a way past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Rayan Cherki supplied the pass for the winner, allowing Olise to advance with the ball before sending a low left-footed effort into the bottom-right corner.
France Create the Earlier Openings
The contest started cautiously, with neither side immediately taking control. France produced the first major threat in the 12th minute through Desire Doue. The forward worked his way beyond three Belgian defenders in the penalty area, but his effort hit the crossbar rather than finding the net.
That moment shifted much of the early momentum toward the visitors. France increasingly looked dangerous on fast breaks and repeatedly pushed Belgium back toward its own goal. They also appealed for penalties in the 21st and 25th minutes, although play continued on both occasions.
Another opening arrived in the 27th minute when Maghnes Akliouche struck a free-kick that Lammens could only parry. Pierre Kalulu reacted to the loose ball, but Belgium’s defenders recovered quickly enough to prevent the rebound from becoming a goal.
Belgium gradually found more space as halftime approached. Kevin De Bruyne played a central role in organizing the home side’s attacking moves and helped generate several opportunities, but the Belgian attack was unable to turn those moments into a breakthrough. The teams went into the interval level at 0-0.
Woodwork and Goalkeeping Keep the Score Level
France resumed with purpose after the restart and continued to test Belgium’s defensive shape. Doue sent a forceful shot narrowly beyond the left post in the 52nd minute. Lucas Da Cunha then came even closer two minutes later, striking from outside the area only to see his attempt hit the post.
Doue remained a persistent danger. In the 57th minute, Lammens stopped another of his shots, with the rebound falling to Esteban Lepaul. Lepaul could not direct his follow-up on target, and Belgium survived another sustained spell of pressure.
The home side concentrated heavily on resisting France’s attacks but still carried a threat when counter-attacking. Their clearest opportunity came in the 73rd minute after Dodi Lukebakio entered the game. The substitute found room inside the area and got off a shot, only for Mike Maignan to produce an important save.
With the match moving into its final quarter-hour, both teams began to commit more players forward. The game became more open as France pursued the advantage and Belgium searched for a moment that could decide the match in front of their home supporters.
Olise Delivers the Decisive Moment
France made changes during the second half, and the substitutions proved crucial. Cherki came on in the 77th minute, as did Olise for Bradley Barcola. Eleven minutes later, their connection settled a contest that had appeared headed for a scoreless finish.
Cherki found Olise in a promising position, and the substitute carried the ball forward before finishing calmly with his left foot. The low strike beat Lammens and gave France the lead with little time remaining.
Belgium pushed for an immediate response but could not produce an equalizer before the final whistle. France left Brussels with all three points, while Belgium were left to reflect on missed chances and a late defensive lapse in an otherwise closely contested match.
Line-ups
Belgium lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Senne Lammens; Timothy Castagne, Toby Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Matisse Seys, replaced by De Cuyper in the 68th minute; Youri Tielemans, Romeo Lavia, replaced by Raskin in the 85th minute; Antonio Moreira, replaced by Dodi Lukebakio in the 63rd minute; Julien Duranville/Arne Engels; Kevin De Bruyne, replaced by Vanaken in the 63rd minute; and Charles De Ketelaere, replaced by Fernandez-Pardo in the 85th minute.
France used a 4-3-3: Mike Maignan; Pierre Kalulu, Chrislain Matsima/Jacquet, Maxence Lacroix, Malick Diouf; Lucas Da Cunha, replaced by Manu Kone in the 90th minute; Maghnes Akliouche, replaced by Rayan Cherki in the 77th minute; Eduardo Camavinga; Desire Doue; Bradley Barcola, replaced by Michael Olise in the 77th minute; and Esteban Lepaul, replaced by Ousmane Dembele in the 68th minute.
The result leaves France with an early advantage in Group 1, but the upcoming fixtures against Italy and Turkey will offer both sides another opportunity to shape the race for the group’s top position.
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