As expected, Coach Zidane is different: 'Four goals in just 14 minutes' — a resounding success in his tactical substitutions... France on an unbeaten streak of four matches since the French national team manager took charge

*This content was translated by AI.

The upward momentum has been remarkable ever since he took the helm. Coach Zinedine Zidane's substitution tactics proved effective, leading France to a dramatic comeback victory.

France, led by Coach Zidane, defeated Belgium 4-1 in their Group A, Group 1, fourth match of the 2026~2027 UEFA Nations League group stage on the 6th (Korean time) at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France.

Thanks to a four-goal relay by Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise (two goals), who were substituted on late in the second half, scoring four goals within 14 minutes, France defeated Belgium to secure their first home victory under Coach Zidane's regime.

Coach Zidane, who took over as France's manager after the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, solidified his position at the top of the group by maintaining an unbeaten record of four matches (three wins, one draw; 10 points) since taking charge, following consecutive victories against Turkey and Belgium and wiping out the regret of the 1-1 draw against Italy on the 3rd. Meanwhile, Belgium remained in third place with six points (two wins, two losses).

The head coach's tactics shone. Coach Zidane turned around a match that France was trailing in until the 77th minute with a barrage of four goals from his substitute players within 14 minutes, securing their first home win and extending their unbeaten streak.

However, the first half did not unfold according to Coach Zidane's plan. With Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to a knee injury, France's offside trap collapsed in the 35th minute of the first half following a penetrating pass from Belgium's Romeo Lavia, and they conceded the opening goal to Dodi Lukebakio, falling behind 0-1.

It was Coach Zidane's bold decision that broke through the frustrating flow of the game. The coach brought on Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki, among others, in the 15th minute of the second half, followed by Desire Doue in the 27th minute, completely overhauling his attacking lineup.

Coach Zidane's tactical substitutions exploded with formidable firepower starting from the 32nd minute of the second half. Doue scored an equalizer with a sharp shot near the penalty arc. Four minutes later, Cherki's shot, receiving a pass from Olise, deflected off the goalkeeper's hand and foot into the net, instantly turning the tide. Riding the momentum, Olise scored consecutive goals in the 43rd minute of the second half and during stoppage time, completing a drama where they combined for four goals in just 14 minutes.

According to sports media outlet 'ESPN,' Coach Zidane said after the match, "This is football, and it is why we love football," adding, "We faced some difficulties in the first half, but that is also part of the game. What mattered was correcting the flow. France showed truly special and exceptional performance in the second half."

Regarding the contributions of the bench players, he stated, "I knew that the substituted-on players had the outstanding skills to change the situation," while adding, "However, this is a perfect achievement for the entire team. The most notable point is that every player did their part over the past two weeks, even if the substitutes made the difference," encouraging his squad.

Olise, who was at the center of the comeback with two goals and one assist, also expressed strong trust in the head coach, saying, "It is thanks to the effort of the entire team. Coach Zidane presented new ideas, and we faithfully followed them. We have done well over the past four matches and will continue this momentum going forward."

Meanwhile, Italy from the same group defeated Turkey 3-1, recording seven points (two wins, one draw, one loss) to close the gap on France by three points. The Zidane-led team aims to secure their qualification for the quarterfinal tournament through a double-header against Italy and Turkey during the upcoming November international match window.

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*This content was translated by AI.