Zidane made several changes to the lineup following the 1-1 draw against Italy. Guillaume Restes made his debut as France's starting goalkeeper, with Ousmane Dembele, Esteban Lepaul, and Bradley Barcola leading the attack. Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise were among the substitutes.

At 21 years and 208 days old, Restes became France's youngest starting goalkeeper since Jean-Paul Bertrand-Demanes in November 1973. Le Parisien reported the Toulouse goalkeeper appeared tense during warm-ups, moving constantly within the penalty area before his national team debut. However, just 11 minutes in, he was tested, diving to save Romelu Lukaku's low shot aimed at the far corner.

Belgium players celebrate Dodi Lukebakio's opening goal during their 4-1 loss to France in the fourth round of Nations League A1 Group A at Stade de France, Saint Denis, France on 5/10. *Photo: Reuters*

France dominated possession, moving the ball wide, but lacked precision in their finishing. Dembele shot wide early in the first minute. Lepaul headed over the bar, then struck a shot directly at goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt. Barcola also had an opportunity after breaking past Timothy Castagne but was denied by the Belgium goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Belgium adopted a deep defensive strategy, seeking counter-attacking chances. The visitors were without Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans in midfield, yet Romeo Lavia excelled in his organizing role. In the 35th minute, Lavia's long pass split the French defense, sending Dodi Lukebakio through. The Belgium forward fired into the near corner, beating Restes in a one-on-one and silencing the Stade de France crowd.

France nearly conceded a second goal just two minutes later due to poor defensive handling, which allowed Lukebakio to maintain pressure. Belgium held their lead at halftime, with the hosts struggling to break through the compact defense. Le Parisien described France's first half as one of their weakest since Zidane assumed management of the national team.

The second half saw little change in the match dynamics. France maintained possession, but their attacks lacked speed and were easily thwarted by Belgium's defense. Growing impatience became evident as time elapsed without the hosts finding an equalizer.

Michael Olise celebrates the goal that sealed the 4-1 victory. *Photo: AP*

The turning point arrived with Zidane's tactical changes. In the 60th minute, Olise replaced Dembele, Cherki came on for Maghnes Akliouche, and Lucas Da Cunha entered for Manu Kone. Over 10 minutes later, Doue was introduced for Barcola. The trio of attacking substitutes immediately injected pace into the game, causing the Belgium defense to waver against the quick, direct play of France's young talents.

In the 77th minute, Doue received the ball outside the penalty area, turned, and unleashed a left-footed shot across the goal. The powerful strike was beyond Vandevoordt's reach, equalizing the score at 1-1 and alleviating the intense pressure on the hosts. This goal proved to be the catalyst for France.

Just four minutes later, Olise broke free on the right wing and delivered a pass into the penalty area for Cherki to tap in, giving France a 2-1 lead. The Stade de France, previously quiet, erupted as the match's momentum rapidly shifted. From a losing position, France seized complete control. The substitutes consistently capitalized on newfound spaces as Belgium's defense became disorganized and lost the solidity it had maintained for over an hour.

Coach Zinedine Zidane (right) shakes hands with Eduardo Camavinga after substituting the midfielder. *Photo: Reuters*

Between the 88th and 90+1 minute, Doue provided consecutive assists for Olise, who scored from close range to complete his brace and secure the 4-1 victory. In a span of just 15 minutes, France, facing a potential defeat, scored four goals. All three goal scorers—Doue, Cherki, and Olise—were substitutes, highlighting Zidane's tactical changes as the match's pivotal moment.

This result allowed Zidane to conclude his first national team camp as France's coach undefeated. Previously, France had secured 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium, and a 1-1 draw against Italy.

After four rounds in Group A1, France leads with 10 points, three points ahead of Italy and four points ahead of Belgium, giving them a strong advantage in the race for the Nations League quarterfinals. In their final two matches, Zidane's squad will play Italy on 12/11 and Turkey on 15/11.

Hong Duy