Michael Olise’s 11-Minute Intervention Keeps Zidane Perfect as France Beat Belgium
Michael Olise came off the bench to score an 88th-minute winner as France beat Belgium 1-0. The result kept Zinedine Zidane’s perfect start intact—but also underlined how much France needed Olise’s decisive quality without Kylian Mbappé.
France left Brussels with a 1-0 win over Belgium, but the scoreline tells only part of the story.
For 88 minutes, Zinedine Zidane’s side had controlled possession, created the clearer chances and repeatedly tested the Belgian defence without finding a breakthrough. Then Michael Olise entered the defining moment.
Just 11 minutes after coming off the bench, the Bayern Munich attacker collected Rayan Cherki’s pass near halfway, carried the ball forward and curled a low finish into the bottom corner. France had their winner. Zidane had a second victory from his first two matches in charge.
France created the volume, but lacked the final action
France finished with 18 shots, seven on target and 1.15 expected goals. They were not short of territory or attacking talent; they were short of the one clean, decisive action needed to turn control into a result.
Désiré Doué was France’s most consistent attacking outlet. He attempted five shots, had 16 touches in Belgium’s penalty area and created four chances. He hit the crossbar early on and repeatedly carried France into dangerous zones, but Belgium survived the periods of sustained pressure.
Kylian Mbappé’s injury was felt. France had plenty of movement and technical quality, yet their attack lacked a player who could convert a good spell into a defining moment.
Olise supplied exactly that.
Olise gave France what the match demanded
The goal was not simply a late winner. It showed the specific quality Olise brings to this France side.
He did not need a long period to settle into the game. He received the ball in space, drove forward with intent and finished with the composure of a player used to deciding high-pressure moments.
That matters for a squad with several gifted creators. Doué, Cherki and Ousmane Dembélé can all destabilise a defence. Olise offers something slightly different: the ability to make the final decision himself.
His early Bundesliga form already reflects that profile. Olise has started the season among the league’s most productive right-sided attackers, ranking at the top end for goals, expected goals, shots and key passes per 90 minutes.
Explore Michael Olise’s full StatsLook profile
Zidane’s France are winning—but the attacking hierarchy is changing
Two wins from two is the perfect start for Zidane. Yet Belgium also exposed a question France will need to answer as this Nations League campaign develops.
Who takes responsibility when Mbappé is absent, contained or unavailable?
Against Belgium, the answer came from the bench.
Olise’s winning goal did more than secure three points. It strengthened his case to be seen not only as a creative option around France’s established stars, but as one of the players capable of deciding matches on his own.
France found the goal late. Olise made sure they found the win.
