Super-subs help France demolish Belgium with late flurry

What the report says

France produced a late comeback to defeat Belgium 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League Group A1 match at the Stade de France, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on Reuters coverage. Belgium led through Dodi Lukebakio in the first half, but France responded with a strong finish after several substitutes changed the game.

Desire Doue equalized in the 77th minute, Rayan Cherki put France ahead shortly after with help from Michael Olise, and Olise then added two goals of his own to complete the turnaround. The report noted that Doue, Cherki and Olise all began on the bench and were introduced during the decisive final phase.

The result gave France their first home win under coach Zinedine Zidane, following a draw with Italy three days earlier. It also kept France top of the group on 10 points, ahead of Italy and Belgium. Belgium remain below France in the standings, while Turkiye sit last in the four-team section.

In the same group, Italy beat Turkiye 3-1. Looking ahead, France are due to face Italy in Milan before finishing the group stage at home against Turkiye. The comeback matters because it strengthens France’s position in the group and shows the impact of squad depth in a tightly contested qualification format.