· 2 min readIn this France vs Belgium match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
France and Belgium met for the second time in this Nations League, after a 1-0 French win in Belgium, decided by Olise in the 88th minute. Whoever won today would finish the fourth round at the top, but Zidane’s France still had something to prove. The results had been narrow, there had been the draw with Italy and, despite all the talent available, there was still a game missing where the French side could truly show everything they have.
Zidane continued to rotate the team, with Dembélé returning to the right and Yoro making his first start for the national team. France had more of the ball, especially in the attacking midfield areas, but there was a lack of pace. In the 15th minute, Barcola did get in behind after a good combination with Koné, but tried to lift the ball and found Vandevoordt, also making his debut, coming off his line very well.
By the 30th minute, the feeling was clear: France had possession, they were trying, but Belgium were perfectly comfortable defending. Possession without speeding things up doesn’t scare anyone. Zidane’s side needed more, because they certainly have the quality to do it.
And it was Belgium who scored. In the 35th minute, Lavia played Lukebakio in behind, Diouf didn’t track the run and the Belgian was left completely alone against Restes. He carried the ball forward with space and fired high into the net to score a fine goal. 0-1.
At half-time, France had 64% possession and 10 shots to Belgium’s 4, but only 0.61 xG compared to 0.55. Belgium were defending brilliantly and it was hard not to think that it was time for Zidane to call in the cavalry: Olise, Doué and Cherki.
The second half started exactly as the first had ended. It wasn’t until the 60th minute that Olise and Cherki came on, with Dembélé going off after a poor game. And that’s when France completely changed.
Cherki forced a fine save from Vandevoordt in the 66th minute, and in the 72nd, Olise created danger on the right, moving into a tight space before putting the ball into the box. Barcola got the shot away, but the ball hit a defender’s heel. It was the winger’s last action, as he was replaced by Doué.
And the cavalry started to work. In the 77th minute, Doué received the ball already moving towards the left and, without even needing to look at the goal, shot from outside the box. The ball stayed low, went into the corner and went in. 1-1. An unlikely shot and a deserved equaliser.
Three minutes later, Cherki appeared unmarked after Olise reached the byline and put the ball back into the box. The shot was saved, but the ball hit Vandevoordt’s glove and ended up in the net. 2-1. There was some bad luck for the Belgian goalkeeper here, but the introduction of the three players completely changed France.
In the 88th minute, Doué got away down the right again and put in a low cross. Olise stretched out a leg and the ball slowly rolled into the net. 3-1. And in the 90th minute, another counter-attack: Doué controlled the ball with a backheel on the left, cut inside and played Olise in behind. The winger finished and made it four.
Four goals between the 77th and 90th minutes. Pure talent. France went from being a slow, predictable team that offered little danger to a side capable of destroying a game in a matter of minutes.
Post-match
Rotation is necessary with such a tight run of games, but there’s also the feeling that, when the cavalry comes on, there is simply too much talent for most opponents to handle.
