Zinedine Zidane started his tenure as France manager with a win. Les Bleus secured a 1-0 victory over Türkiye in the Nations League on Thursday night thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappé. The captain scored his 67th international goal before leaving the pitch injured, a concern for the squad moving forward. This win extends their positive run, with the France team now unbeaten in their last 10 consecutive matches.
The new manager fielded a 4-3-3 starting eleven with Mike Maignan in goal, a defence of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Adrien Truffert. The midfield featured Rayan Cherki, Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot, while the attack was led by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé. Opposite them, Vincenzo Montella set up Türkiye in a 3-4-2-1 shape.
The first half was balanced, with few clear chances. France's best opportunity came from a long-range Rabiot effort, well saved by Uğurcan Çakır. The Turkish goalkeeper was later booked in the first half for a foul on Dembélé. The only other notable incident before the break was a yellow card for Arda Güler in the 42nd minute.
The game turned after half-time. In the 54th minute, Michael Olise provided a perfect assist for Kylian Mbappé. The number ten finished neatly past the keeper to open the scoring. It was his 10th goal of the season in just eight appearances for the national team, underlining his exceptional recent form. "Mbappé once again proved he is the player who makes the difference for his country," was noted.
The joy was short-lived. Five minutes after his goal, Mbappé signalled discomfort and had to leave the pitch limping, replaced by Désiré Doué. Zinedine Zidane then made further changes, bringing on Bradley Barcola and Eduardo Camavinga. The match ended chaotically, with a straight red card for Turkish keeper Çakır in the 87th minute for a handball outside his area. The hard-fought French victory extends their positive run.
This Nations League win comes as the France team also sits top of their World Cup qualifying group, with nine points from three games. The next challenge is already set: an away trip to Belgium on Saturday, 28 September.
