FRANCE BEAT BELGIUM 4-1 WITH LATE NATIONS LEAGUE COMEBACK

France came from behind to beat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France, scoring four goals in the final 14 minutes of the match. Dodi Lukebakio put Belgium ahead in the first half, finishing after Roméo Lavia's pass split the French defence. Désiré Doué equalised for France in the 77th minute with a low shot from the edge of the area. Rayan Cherki put France ahead four minutes later, teed up by substitute Michael Olise. Olise then scored twice himself, in the 88th minute and in stoppage time, to complete the comeback.

The result left France top of Group A1 with 10 points. One report said France moved three points clear of Italy, with Belgium a further point back on six points; another report put Belgium third on six points without specifying the gap to Italy. Belgium were without the suspended Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, while Maarten Vandevoordt made his debut in goal for the visitors. France also made changes to their side for the match, with Leny Yoro and Guillaume Restes earning their debuts and Ousmane Dembélé captaining the team in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappé. One report said the win gave the France head coach his first home victory since taking charge, while preserving an unbeaten start in the role.

Elsewhere in the Nations League, Italy beat Turkey 3-1 in Bologna, with goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito, condemning Turkey to a fourth consecutive defeat. Hungary also secured a win over Ukraine. France's victory keeps them on course for the Nations League quarter-finals, with Belgium needing results in their remaining fixtures to close the gap at the top of the group.