Belgium Seek Turkey Response After Olise’s Late France Winner
Belgium will host Turkey at Sclessin on Friday needing an immediate response after Michael Olise’s 88th-minute solo goal gave France a dramatic win and left Group A1 tightly poised.
Olise settled the contest with Belgium seemingly set to claim a hard-earned point. The Bayern Munich winger collected possession, beat Arthur De Cuyper and drove around 60 metres before placing his finish beyond goalkeeper Davy Lammens.
Late blow after Belgium stand firm
- France controlled long spells before the interval, with Désiré Doué hitting the bar and Lammens making a series of important stops.
- Belgium also had a major opening when Charles De Ketelaere failed to meet a Kevin De Bruyne delivery with the target open.
- The home side remained competitive throughout a fast, intense match played before a full house.
- Olise then produced the decisive action two minutes from time, turning a likely draw into defeat for Belgium.
Van Bommel said the dressing room was deeply disappointed but praised his players’ commitment. He argued that their display deserved at least a seven out of 10, insisting he had no criticism for a group he described as intelligent and talented.
The Belgium coach highlighted the side’s pressing, switches of play and chance creation as signs that his tactical plan is taking hold. Belgium did not take their opportunities, he said, but the players understood the ideas behind their work and appeared to be enjoying the approach.
Van Bommel keeps focus on long-term plan
The France match came three days after Belgium’s impressive win in Italy and represented an early test of Van Bommel’s new project. France made changes to their line-up, but the Belgium boss rejected suggestions that the visitors had fielded a second-string side.
He said France were a strong team and naturally further advanced under Zinedine Zidane, while Belgium have had only a first competitive week together under their new coach. Van Bommel added that the group may face an even harder task away from home on Monday.
Belgium’s longer-term target is Euro qualification in two years’ time, and Van Bommel said he was very pleased with the level shown despite the final result.
Group A1 standings
France have six points from two games. Belgium remain on three, now level with Italy after the Azzurri beat Turkey 4-1. Turkey are bottom without a point.
Friday’s meeting with Turkey has therefore become crucial for Belgium’s hopes of progressing, with Van Bommel seeking a return to winning ways and proof that the promising early work can translate into points.
