Moreira Shines but Rabiot’s Cameo Seals France’s Late Show vs Belgium

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | In a thrilling Nations League encounter at the Stade de France, Moreira starts and Rabiot comes off bench as France put on late show vs Belgium, with the match ending 4-1 in favor of the hosts. The game was a tale of two halves, as Belgium took a shock lead through Dodi Lukebakio, only for France to explode with four goals in the final 13 minutes. The comeback was spearheaded by substitutes, including Adrien Rabiot, who made a brief but impactful appearance.

For AC Milan fans, the match offered a mixed bag of emotions. While Mike Maignan was rested for the entire game, Adrien Rabiot came on as a late substitute, playing just three minutes. However, the spotlight was on Diego Moreira, who started for Belgium on the left wing and delivered a bright performance despite the heavy defeat. The young winger, on loan from Milan, showed glimpses of his potential, completing 17 of 24 passes, registering 41 touches, and making 5 clearances. His energetic display was one of the few positives for the Red Devils on a chastening night.

The match began with Belgium looking sharp, and they took the lead through Lukebakio, silencing the home crowd. For a while, it seemed that Belgium might hold on for a famous victory. But France, coached by Zinedine Zidane, had other ideas. The turning point came in the 77th minute when Desire Doue equalized with a low shot from outside the box. Just minutes later, Rayan Cherki put France ahead, and then Michael Olise scored twice in quick succession to complete the rout. It was the second time in a week that France had produced a late show, following a similar comeback against Italy.

Moreira starts and Rabiot comes off bench as France put on late show vs Belgium, but the focus for Milan fans was on the performances of their players. Moreira, who played 87 minutes, was a constant threat down the left flank. He completed one dribble, one accurate cross, and won one ground duel. Defensively, he contributed with five clearances and one interception. Despite not being involved in a goal, his overall display was encouraging, and he will return to Milanello with renewed confidence. With Alexis Saelemaekers sidelined due to an ankle injury, Moreira is expected to get more starting opportunities for the Rossoneri in the coming weeks.

On the other hand, Rabiot’s cameo was brief but he will be pleased to have contributed to the victory. The midfielder, who joined Milan in the summer, has been gradually integrated into the squad and will hope to feature more prominently in the future. Maignan, meanwhile, was given a rest, with France’s coaching staff opting to keep him on the bench. The goalkeeper has been in fine form for Milan this season and will be fresh for upcoming club fixtures.

The result leaves Belgium third in their Nations League group, with France retaining top spot. For Belgium, it was a night to forget, but Moreira’s performance was a silver lining. The 21-year-old has been impressive since joining Milan, and his development will be closely monitored. The international break also saw Italy beat Turkey, compounding the misery on Vincenzo Montella, but for Milan fans, the focus is now on the return of their players and the upcoming Serie A fixtures.

In conclusion, the match at the Stade de France was a rollercoaster of emotions, with France’s late surge overshadowing Belgium’s spirited display. Moreira starts and Rabiot comes off bench as France put on late show vs Belgium, and while the result was disappointing for the Belgians, the experience will be valuable for Moreira’s growth. Milan will be hoping that both players return without injury and continue to contribute to the club’s success. As the Nations League continues, all eyes will be on how these international stars perform for their clubs in the coming weeks.