Michael Olise struck late to secure France a 1-0 win over Belgium and spoil Mark van Bommel’s first home match in charge of the Red Devils.
France named a heavily changed side in Brussels, leaving Bayern Munich forward Olise among the substitutes. But after a closely fought contest, he came off the bench to settle the match with a powerful finish shortly before full-time.
Van Bommel had begun his Belgium tenure with an away victory in Italy, with Mika Godts among the scorers. The former Ajax player retained his place in the starting line-up against France, with Belgium making two changes from that previous match.
Zinedine Zidane made a far more significant reshuffle for the visitors, changing nine positions in his starting XI. Ousmane Dembele and Olise were both left out initially as France fielded what was effectively a second-string team.
The match at the King Baudouin Stadium began several minutes late after a problem with the players’ socks was noticed just before the teams were due to emerge. Once play got under way, France made the brighter start.
Desire Doue carried the ball forward on a solo run before cutting inside, but his effort struck the crossbar. Belgium then grew into the match and created a number of openings, although the final pass repeatedly let them down.
The first half remained goalless despite an open and entertaining contest.
Neither manager changed his starting XI at the interval. France again hit the woodwork early in the second half, with Lucas Da Cunha’s effort striking the post.
France gradually took control of the game, while Belgium survived several difficult moments through a combination of good fortune and individual ability. Van Bommel’s side also found it increasingly difficult to play their way out of their own penalty area.
Dembele was introduced shortly before the 70-minute mark, after Van Bommel had already made changes and used three substitutions. Rayan Cherki and Olise were also sent on for France as the visitors increased the pressure.
Olise ultimately provided the decisive moment. After a superb individual run moments before the end, the Bayern Munich player beat Senne Lammens with a powerful shot to give France victory.
Belgium will face Turkey at home in the Nations League on Friday evening before travelling to France on Monday evening to meet the same opponents again.
France will play Italy on Friday 2 October. Italy produced an impressive display in a comfortable victory over Turkey.
The France-Belgium match on Monday evening will kick off at 20:45 at the Stade de France in Paris.
