France Stage Stunning Comeback to Beat Belgium 4-1 with Four Goals in 14 Minutes

France were trailing Belgium until the 76th minute, despite dominating possession and creating most of the attacking opportunities. Belgium appeared on course to end their long wait for a competitive victory over France.

Instead, everything changed in the final stages.

France scored four goals in just 14 minutes to complete a stunning comeback and beat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night.

All four of France’s goals came from substitutes. Dodi Lukebakio had put Belgium ahead, but Désiré Doué levelled the score before Rayan Cherki put France in front. Michael Olise then scored twice late on to complete the rout.

France dominated possession with around 66 percent of the ball and produced 23 shots, eight of them on target. Belgium managed only five shots, with two finding the target.

Belgium registered the first shot on target in the 10th minute, but France goalkeeper denied Romelu Lukaku.

Five minutes later, France created their first notable opportunity. Bradley Barcola received a pass from Manu Koné, but his chipped effort was comfortably dealt with by Belgium debutant goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt.

Belgium took the lead in the 35th minute. Romeo Lavia played an excellent through ball from inside his own half, and Dodi Lukebakio beat the offside trap before firing a powerful shot into the net from outside the box.

France continued to search for an equaliser after the break. Ousmane Dembélé had a good chance in the 52nd minute but could not keep his effort on target.

Vandevoordt then produced another excellent save in the 58th minute, denying an effort from close range.

Two minutes later, France coach Zinedine Zidane made a double substitution, bringing on Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise for Dembélé and Barcola.

Olise nearly equalised in the 67th minute, but Vandevoordt produced another fine save to keep out his powerful effort from outside the box.

France finally found the breakthrough in the 76th minute. Just five minutes after coming on, Désiré Doué levelled the score. The PSG forward collected a pass from Luca de la Torre, created space and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

The comeback was only beginning.

In the 81st minute, Rayan Cherki put France ahead after receiving Olise’s pass from the right and finishing inside the box. Vandevoordt got a touch to the ball but could not keep it out.

Michael Olise then took centre stage.

The Bayern Munich winger scored France’s third goal in the 88th minute before finding the net again in the 91st minute to complete his brace.

Olise has now scored four goals across his last three appearances for France.

The victory leaves France top of League A Group 1 with 10 points from four matches. After winning their opening two games, they drew 1-1 with Italy before returning to winning ways against Belgium. It was also the first time in four matches that France had scored more than once in a game during this international break.

In the group’s other match, Italy beat Turkey 3-1 to move into second place with seven points. Belgium remain third on six points, while Turkey have lost all four of their matches.

Belgium were without captain Youri Tielemans and midfield star Kevin De Bruyne due to yellow-card suspensions.