Zinédine Zidane's France tenure began with a win as they defeated Turkey 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal of the game in the 54th minute, assisted by Michael Olise.
Zidane selected a 4-3-3 starting lineup featuring Mike Maignan in goal and an attacking trio of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Olise. A balanced first half ended goalless, despite a chance for Rayan Cherki and a yellow card for Turkey's Arda Güler in the 42nd minute. The breakthrough came shortly after the restart. Played through by Olise, Mbappé outpaced the defence and beat goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır with a low, angled finish.
The decisive figure: Kylian Mbappé
The captain made the difference once again. His strike, a tenth goal of the season in eight appearances, proved enough for the three points. This continues his impressive form, as shown in his detailed stats. He was substituted for Désiré Doué in the 59th minute, with Zidane later stating he had suffered a hyperextension of the knee. "I think he will have to come off," the manager told TF1. "We're not going to take any risks." His condition will be monitored closely in our injuries section.
The closing stages were eventful. Turkish goalkeeper Çakır was sent off in the 87th minute for a foul outside his area. France then managed their numerical advantage, picking up three late yellow cards, including one for substitute Esteban Lepaul. The stats showed French dominance with 64% possession, but an equal number of shots (12) for both sides.
Zidane summed up his approach in a post-match press conference: "The balance of the team is the key to everything." The manager also praised his team's defensive solidity and patience against a well-organized Turkish defensive block.
