'An extraordinary second half' - Zidane hails France's stunning Nations League comeback win

'An extraordinary second half' - Zidane hails France's stunning Nations League comeback win

Belgium looked on course for a surprise victory after Dodi Lukebakio put the visitors ahead in the 35th minute, but France turned the match around with four goals in the final 14 minutes.

Desire Doue levelled in the 77th minute before Rayan Cherki put France ahead when his shot took a deflection off Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt.

Michael Olise then struck twice in three minutes to complete a stunning turnaround and give France a commanding victory.

"Tonight, this is football, this is what we love," Zidane said. "We faced some difficulties in the first half but that's part of the game; it's the kind of match you get from time to time.

"It's good to set things right - which is what we did - and we managed to play an extraordinary second half."

Zidane praised the impact of his substitutes but insisted the victory was the result of a complete team performance.

"We knew the substitutes could change the game because they are high-quality players," he said. "But, once again, it was a complete team performance."

The result keeps France top of Group A1, three points ahead of Italy, who beat Turkey 3-1. Belgium remain third, four points behind the French.

Olise also praised Zidane's influence on the team.

"It's a collective effort, too," Olise said. "He brings in ideas, we follow them - we've done that well over the last four matches, we're going to continue like this."

France next face Italy at San Siro in Milan on Thursday, November 12.
 

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