Olise stars as Belgium suffer late collapse against France in 5-goal thriller

Belgium suffered another painful defeat to France after surrendering a one-goal lead in the closing stages of Monday’s Nations League encounter at the Stade de France.

Mark van Bommel’s side appeared on course to claim revenge for last week’s defeat when Dodi Lukebakio put Belgium ahead before the break.

However, France produced a remarkable late turnaround, scoring four times to complete a 4-1 victory and leave Belgium empty-handed once again.

Lukebakio puts Belgium ahead

Belgium were without suspended Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, while France also made several changes, including handing Guillaume Restes his debut in goal.

The visitors nevertheless matched France for long periods and looked particularly dangerous whenever they attacked on the counter.

Their pressure eventually paid off shortly after the half-hour mark.

Roméo Lavia delivered an excellent pass into the path of Lukebakio, who kept his composure when faced with Restes before firing high into the net to give Belgium the lead.

France responded after half-time and began creating clearer opportunities, with Manu Koné, Estéban Lepaul and Rayan Cherki all going close.

Belgium goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt produced several important saves to keep his side in front and preserve hopes of a major upset.

France produce devastating late comeback

Belgium held firm for much of the second half, but their resistance finally collapsed in the closing stages.

Désiré Doué levelled the contest with a long-range effort before Cherki completed France’s turnaround just minutes later.

The late collapse then became even more painful for Van Bommel’s team as France took complete control.

Doué and Michael Olise combined twice to devastating effect, with Olise providing the assists as France added two more goals to turn a narrow deficit into a convincing 4-1 triumph.

Belgium had looked capable of securing a memorable result for much of the night, but France’s ruthless finishing in the final stages ensured Van Bommel’s side suffered another defeat against their neighbours.

The result will make the manner of Belgium’s collapse particularly difficult to digest after they had spent most of the match frustrating the hosts.