Michael Olise came off the bench to score a late winner as France defeated Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League, maintaining their perfect start to the competition.
France appeared set for a frustrating night in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappé, but Olise needed just 11 minutes after coming on to settle the contest at Stade Roi Baudouin.
France started strongly, with Désiré Doué going close in the 12th minute after weaving his way into the box before seeing his effort crash against the crossbar.
Doué remained France’s biggest attacking threat and later created an opportunity for Esteban Depaul, whose first-time effort was comfortably saved by Senne Lammens.
Lammens was tested again when he spilled Maghnes Akliouche’s free-kick, while Romeo Lavia cleared Pierre Kalulu’s follow-up off the line.
Doué continued to threaten after the break, curling narrowly wide before Lucas da Cunha came close to scoring on his debut when his effort through a crowded penalty area struck the right post.
Belgium improved as the match progressed, with substitute Dodi Lukebakio forcing Mike Maignan into action in the 73rd minute before testing the goalkeeper again with a powerful low effort.
France eventually found the breakthrough two minutes from full time. Olise collected a pass from fellow substitute Rayan Cherki, drove forward from halfway and curled a composed finish into the bottom-right corner.
The victory gives Zinedine Zidane two wins from two in the Nations League.
France registered 18 shots, including seven on target, while Désiré Doué stood out with five attempts, two of which tested Lammens, and another that hit the woodwork.
Belgium had to wait until the 73rd minute for their first shot on target and were unable to find an equaliser despite late pressure.
France will now continue their 100 per cent start, while Belgium are left to rue their failure to convert their chances in a tightly contested encounter.
