Zinedine Zidane: “This is the football we love”

France thrashed Belgium 4-1 after scoring four late goals at the Stade de France in a Nations League match. Following his team’s performance, Zinedine Zidane was quick to praise his players.

“This is the football we love,” Zidane said after the match.

“We faced some difficulties in the first half, but that is part of the game; these are the kind of matches that happen from time to time. It was good that we managed to put things right – which we did – and we were able to play an excellent second half.”

The victory strengthened France’s grip on Group A1, with the team three points clear of Italy, who defeated Turkey 3-1.

Belgium are third with four points behind France, while Turkey remain without a point.

“This was also a collective effort,” Olise said. “He [Zidane] brings ideas, we follow them – we have done that well over the last four matches and we will continue like this.”

“We knew the substitutes could change the game because they are quality players,” Zidane said. “But, again, this was a complete team performance. Although the substitutes may have made the difference when they came on, everyone has been good over the last two weeks – everyone played their role and that is what impressed me.”

France will finish the Nations League group stage during the November international window, with matches against Italy and Turkey.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will qualify for next year’s quarter-finals.