France Group Campaign: Zidane Gives Players Day Off After Belgium Win

France have moved to the top of their group after beating Belgium 1-0, with Michael Olise scoring in the closing stages. The result gave Zinedine Zidane’s team a second consecutive victory after the 1-0 win in Turkey on Friday. The latest success came at the Roi-Baudouin Stadium and leaves the France squad with momentum before the next group fixture.

Zidane has responded by giving his players a day away from team duties. Olise and his France team-mates are due back at the Clairefontaine training centre in time for dinner. The decision comes three days before Italy visit the Stade de France, giving the squad a short period of recovery before preparations resume for the next match.

The Belgium victory was Olise’s defining contribution in a game that remained goalless until the final phase. His late strike secured the points and extended France’s winning run to two matches. Both victories have finished 1-0, with the win in Turkey preceding the trip to Belgium and the home meeting with Italy now next on the schedule.

The Belgium match also marked Zidane’s second game in charge of the national team. The coach had indicated a major change to his line-up after the Turkey victory, with new faces expected in several positions. Mike Maignan was retained in goal after his convincing display in Turkey, but the defence was set for a complete overhaul.

Pierre Kalulu was expected to start at right-back, with Dayot Upamecano alongside Jérémy Jacquet in central defence. Jacquet was in line for his first start for France, while Andy Diouf was expected to make his first appearance for the national team on the left. Upamecano’s role was to provide experience beside the younger Jacquet in the centre of defence.

There were also changes planned in midfield. Adrien Rabiot was set to continue and take the captain’s armband, while Eduardo Camavinga was due to return to the centre of the pitch. Lucas Da Cunha was expected to earn his first selection in a more advanced midfield role, adding a technical option in the areas closest to Belgium’s penalty box.

The attack required further adjustment because Kylian Mbappé was unavailable after suffering a problem with his left knee and returning to Madrid. Esteban Lepaul was expected to lead the line, only three days after making his France debut against Turkey. Bradley Barcola was set to operate from the left, with Désiré Doué on the right, forming an attack built around pace and direct play.

France now hold first place in the group after collecting two wins from their opening matches. Italy’s arrival at the Stade de France will be the next test of that position, with the squad scheduled to return to Clairefontaine after its day off. The immediate task is to recover from the Belgium trip and prepare for the third fixture under Zidane.