Zinedine Zidane starts France reign with Turkey win

Zinedine Zidane began his tenure as France coach with a victory, giving Les Bleus a winning start to their Nations League campaign. France overcame Turkey 1-0 in a demanding setting and on a poor playing surface, with the new coach’s team showing a willingness to press high despite an uneven performance.

Turkey created its most dangerous moments shortly after half-time. Mike Maignan denied Yuksek in the 51st minute, while a free-kick from Arda Guler had also threatened the French goal. France then produced the decisive move: Rayan Cherki won the ball high up the pitch, Michael Olise supplied the pass and Kylian Mbappe finished in the 54th minute.

The captain’s goal was followed by several chances for France to extend its lead, including efforts involving Jules Kounde and Olise. Guler remained a threat for Turkey, but France’s task became easier when the Turkish goalkeeper was sent off in the 86th minute for handling outside his area to stop a Barcola counterattack. Mbappe’s knee injury is now a concern for the remainder of the international break. France’s next match is away to Belgium on Monday.