France 4-1 Belgium: Super-Subs Spark Stunning Nations League Comeback

France produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France, with substitutes Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise transforming the match in the final stages.

Belgium looked on course for a memorable victory after Dodi Lukebakio gave the visitors the lead in the 35th minute. However, France responded with four goals in a sensational late spell to secure another important victory under head coach Zinedine Zidane.

Lukebakio Gives Belgium the Lead

Belgium took advantage of a quick counter-attack in the first half when Dodi Lukebakio raced clear before producing an excellent finish to put the visitors ahead.

France dominated possession but struggled to turn their opportunities into goals. Without Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus lacked their usual cutting edge in the final third.

Ousmane Dembele, Maghnes Akliouche, Eduardo Camavinga and Esteban Lepaul all had opportunities, but France went into half-time trailing 1-0.

France Struggle to Find an Equaliser

France continued to control the game after the break, creating pressure around the Belgian penalty area.

Lepaul came close to equalising from close range, but Belgium continued to resist France's attacks.

With just 13 minutes of normal time remaining, Zidane turned to his substitutes in search of a breakthrough.

The changes proved decisive.

Doue, Cherki and Olise Change the Game

Desire Doue finally brought France level with a brilliant individual finish.

The forward created space on the edge of the penalty area before turning and firing a superb effort into the bottom-right corner.

Just four minutes later, France completed the turnaround.

Michael Olise drove towards the byline before cutting the ball back for Rayan Cherki, who calmly finished to give France a 2-1 lead.

The substitutes continued to cause problems for Belgium as France pushed for more goals.

Olise Completes France's Rout

Olise added France's third goal in the 88th minute, finishing from a cutback by Doue.

The pair combined again in stoppage time, with Doue producing an excellent pass for Olise, who finished clinically to complete France's 4-1 victory.

The late scoring burst turned what had looked like a disappointing night for France into one of the most dramatic wins of Zidane's early tenure.

France Dominate After the Break

France finished the match with 23 shots and around 2.0 expected goals (xG), highlighting their attacking dominance.

Belgium, meanwhile, struggled to create chances after taking the lead. Their second-half expected goals figure was just 0.04, underlining how heavily France controlled the game after the interval.

The result also demonstrated the depth available to Zidane, with three substitutes making a decisive impact when France needed inspiration.

What the Result Means for France

The victory gives France three wins from four matches since Zidane began his tenure.

Despite struggling to break Belgium down for much of the match, France's ability to produce such a strong response in the final stages will provide confidence heading into the next Nations League fixtures.

Belgium, managed by Mark van Bommel, remain on six points from a possible 12 and will need to respond in their upcoming matches.

France's 4-1 victory ultimately showed the difference that quality from the bench can make. Doue, Cherki and Olise changed the game in spectacular fashion and ensured that France's unbeaten start under Zidane continued.