Zinedine Zidane gives France a 20-year passing record

France have moved alone to the top of their Nations League group after winning their first two matches under Zinedine Zidane. The results have been matched by a record performance in possession, with the national team reaching a level of passing accuracy in the opposition half not seen for two decades. The start gives Zidane’s side an early advantage over Belgium and Italy in the group.

France followed their 1-0 win in Turkey by beating Belgium 1-0 in Brussels on Monday. Those victories put France on six points, while Belgium and Italy have three apiece. The next test comes on Friday, when France host Italy at the Stade de France with the chance to strengthen their position at the summit.

The most notable figure from the win in Belgium was France’s 92.8% success rate on passes played in the Belgian half. It is the team’s highest mark there over the last 20 years. That precision came despite Zidane making nine changes to the starting lineup used in Turkey three days earlier. France circulated the ball confidently in tight areas, kept control when Belgium applied pressure and dictated the pace for long periods. Their dominance eventually produced the only goal, completing a result that left them clear at the top of the standings.