"I went along with the play" – Zidane reveals why he went wild celebrating Olise’s winner against Belgium
| Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images |
Michael Olise was the difference-maker for France on Monday night, as he scored a fantastic solo winner in his side's 1-0 win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
The Bayern Munich star received the ball in his own half, drove it forward, cut inside and placed his shot into the bottom left corner to earn Zinedine Zidane's team the win.
Olise's goal prompted an emotional and passionate reaction from Zidane, who sprinted down the touchline screaming and kicking a loose ball with furious power.
"I went along with the play and I wanted to be part of it," Zidane said with a smile, explaining his celebration (via ESPN).
“I sensed he was off on a dribble and he made an exceptional play, so I wanted to follow him. And then I saw the ball there, and I told myself I had to shoot it. It might be a little bit ridiculous, but it doesn't matter.”
Zidane also had plenty of praise for Olise.
“I saw him take on his man and thought, ‘He’s going to score.’ I was fully behind him. That’s pure talent. I love players like that. When he plays, he wants to entertain. But it’s not just that. He has a feel for football, he reads situations, he knows when to go for it and when to slow things down,” the France coach said (via Foot Mercato).
Watch both the goal and Zidane’s wild celebration below.
