France Hit Four Late Goals to Beat Belgium 4-1 in Nations League
France struck four times after the 77th minute to overturn Belgium’s lead in Paris, winning 4-1 and staying first in Nations League Group A1.
Belgium lead undone by late France surge
Dodi Lukebakio had put Belgium ahead before the interval, finishing a superb creation from Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia. The visitors protected that advantage for close to an hour and repeatedly frustrated the French attack.
France finally found a route back when Lucas Da Cunha levelled in the 77th minute. Michael Olise completed the turnaround four minutes later, before Desire Doue punished Belgium’s stretched defence with two goals in stoppage time.
- Lukebakio gave Belgium a first-half lead.
- Lavia supplied the pass for the opener.
- Da Cunha equalised in the 77th minute.
- Olise scored France’s second goal four minutes later.
- Doue added two stoppage-time finishes to seal a 4-1 result.
Zidane highlights Lavia’s quality
France manager Zinedine Zidane said he had been focused on his own players during the match, but admitted Lavia’s contribution to the Belgian opener stood out.
“I was not watching his individual display because my attention was on my team, but I really liked that pass,” Zidane said. “We reviewed it at half-time in the dressing room during our analysis. He is a quality player.”
Zidane also warned that Belgium’s threat extended well beyond the 22-year-old midfielder.
“He is not the only one in that Belgium side,” he added. “There are many good players, including those introduced from the bench. They will keep causing us difficulties whenever we meet again. We had to respond to win and it was good that we did.”
Lavia’s Chelsea return gathers pace
The Belgium performance continues Lavia’s recovery after an injury-hit beginning at Chelsea. The London club paid £53 million to sign him from Southampton in 2023, but fitness setbacks limited him to 29 Premier League appearances over his first three seasons.
He has played in four of Chelsea’s opening five league fixtures this campaign, giving the midfielder a chance to turn his long-recognised talent into a sustained run of form.
Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer, who knew Lavia from Manchester City’s academy, backed him last year to reach the very top.
Palmer said: “He is among the best midfielders I have played with. People have not fully seen it because of the injuries, but I knew him from City. I think everybody will realise how good he is. He can become one of the world’s best midfielders.”
What happens next
Lavia now returns to Chelsea duty as the Blues prepare to host Bournemouth in west London on Saturday. Chelsea are 10th in the Premier League after a three-week pause in domestic competition and need an immediate lift on their return.
A fit Lavia could be central to Chelsea’s attempt to take greater control in midfield and push up the table.
