France thrash Belgium with four second-half goals

France secured a spectacular 4-1 victory over Belgium at the Stade de France in a Group A1 UEFA Nations League clash. The match marked new France manager Zinedine Zidane’s first home victory, with the biggest heroes being the players who came off the bench.

The match did not start according to plan for the hosts. In the 35th minute, Romelu Lukaku dragged the French defence out of position before Roméo Lavia played a perfect pass through to Dodi Lukébakio, who found the top corner with a precise finish to make it 0-1.

France surrounded the Belgian penalty area after the break.

Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt produced a series of excellent saves to deny dangerous efforts from Esteban Lepaul and Rayan Cherki, but France’s pressure finally paid off during the final 15 minutes.

The phenomenal comeback began in the 77th minute, when Désiré Doué turned on the edge of the penalty area and curled a left-footed effort into the net to make it 1-1.

Just four minutes later, in the 81st minute, Michael Olise delivered a low cross into the box and Rayan Cherki arrived to finish after a deflection, completing the turnaround.

In the 88th minute, Olise got on the scoresheet himself after combining with Doué and battling with Nicolas Raskin to make it 3-1.

The star’s spectacular show was completed in stoppage time when, once again following an assist from Doué, Olise scored his second goal of the night and France’s fourth.

France’s emphatic display during the final 15 minutes confirmed the excellent form of Zidane’s rejuvenated side. The 4-1 victory sends a clear message to the other contenders in the Nations League.