France team: two victories, Zinédine Zidane’s pure joy

28.09.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

Belgium

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France

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On Monday evening against Belgium, after Michael Olise scored the winning goal for France in their 1-0 victory over Belgium, Zinédine Zidane delighted the crowd with a wild celebration.

The France head coach broke into a short sprint before kicking a ball lying on the touchline. It was a somewhat amusing image, which he was naturally asked about. "Was I afraid of pulling a muscle? No (smiles). I started running because I wanted to accompany Michael. I saw him setting off on a dribble and I felt that he was going to score. I knew it. In any case, I was fully behind him (laughs)," he told TF1.

After the hard-fought victory in Turkey (1-0), Zinédine Zidane had hoped to see France "improve with the ball", and the head coach got his wish against Belgium (1-0). Les Bleus produced an impressive collective performance, and the former Real Madrid coach was naturally pleased.

"Satisfied? Yes, and not just with the ball. Tonight, we were very good in every area. In our pressing, in everything. We put things in place against a strong Belgium team, which also made us suffer a little (smiles). But we held on, we were courageous, we weren't afraid to go into the opposition's half, and that's what I like—that's what we want. We also had a few difficulties, but that's normal, especially with several changes in the team. But everyone is involved, and I love that," Zizou added.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Belgium

France

UEFA Nations League A