UEFA Nations League: Olise starts on bench for France as Vandevoordt set for Belgium debut
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Zinedine Zidane’s France will complete the international break with a home game against Belgium. The 2020/21 UEFA Nations League winners are currently top of Group A1 as Michael Olise was involved in all of their three goals.
The FC Bayern star scored a solo strike off the bench in the first encounter between these sides. As Zidane already hinted in his pre-match press conference, Olise is now back on the bench for the second and last game against Belgium in the group.
Meanwhile, Dayot Upamecano is suspended after his first international red card in the 1-1 draw with Italy at Stade de France. The two-time World Cup winners will also play this one at their iconic stadium.
Belgium will go top of the group if they add another three points after their impressive 3-0 victory against Türkiye. Experienced attackers Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored the goals for Mark van Bommel’s side last Friday.
The former Bundesliga superstar starts on the bench for this one, while Lukaku wears the captain’s armband. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig’s Maarten Vandevoordt will make his debut between the posts for Belgium.
In the other game from the group, Italy will host Türkiye in Bologna. The visitors are yet to pick up a point following their group stage exit at the World Cup, while Roberto Mancini will hope for his first home win in his second stint as Italy head coach.
There will also be games in the League B and C of the UEFA Nations League, including Bosnia & Herzegovina’s game against Poland, without the retired Edin Džeko and suspended Robert Lewandowski.
Confirmed France vs. Belgium Lineups
France: Restes; Diouf, Lacroix, Yoro, Kounde; Kone, Camavinga, Akliouche; Barcola, Lepaul, Dembele ©
Belgium: Vandevoordt; Seys, Mechele, Ngoy, Castagne; Raskin, Lavia; Lukebakio, Vanaken, Moreira; Lukaku ©
