France strengthen Nations League lead after Belgium comeback

France have strengthened their position at the top of their Nations League group, although their place in the quarter-finals will not be confirmed until November. Italy’s 3-1 win over Turkey means Zinedine Zidane’s side lead Italy by three points and Belgium by four after four rounds.

Belgium appeared set to take control when Dodi Lukebakio put them ahead in the 35th minute. France had dominated possession and created chances, but Maarten Vandevoordt repeatedly denied the hosts, including efforts from Bradley Barcola and Estéban Lepaul.

Zidane changed his attack after the interval, sending on Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Lucas Da Cunha. The move transformed the game. Désiré Doué levelled in the 77th minute after combining with Da Cunha, before Cherki completed the turnaround four minutes later.

Olise then decided the contest with two late finishes, scoring in the 88th minute and again in the 90th. France therefore turned a deficit that had lasted almost an hour into a 4-1 victory in less than 15 minutes. The result keeps the French in first place, while Belgium drop to third and now face a four-point gap to the leaders.