Mbappe goal overshadowed as Zidane begins France reign with narrow Turkey win

Zinedine Zidane began his tenure as France manager with a hard-fought victory over Turkey, but the result was tempered by an injury to Kylian Mbappe shortly after the captain scored his 67th international goal.

The match was France’s first under Zidane after Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge, with the new manager returning the team to a 4-3-3 formation.

France needed time to adjust to Zidane’s approach, and Mbappe was deployed on the left wing – a position he had not occupied for the national team for two years. The captain was closely watched by two Turkey players early on, while Ousmane Dembele struggled to find space and Michael Olise was unable to produce his best performance.

Turkey made the more threatening start, applying intense pressure that prevented France from building effectively. Mike Maignan saved from Yilmaz in the fourth minute, before France’s defence cleared the rebound off the goal-line.

Maignan was called into action again in the 28th minute, making another impressive save to deny Kadioglu. France’s players found it difficult to play out from the back and escape Turkey’s pressing during the opening stages.

The visitors gradually regained their balance as the first half progressed. Mbappe began to have a greater influence in the attacking third, while Cherki operated as an all-action midfielder and showed flashes of quality despite lacking accuracy with his final touch.

France nearly took the lead before the interval, but Olise’s powerful effort in the 43rd minute was kept out by the Turkey goalkeeper.

Turkey again started the second half positively, but France soon produced the decisive moment. Following pressure from Jules Kounde and Cherki, the ball reached Olise inside the penalty area. He played it across to Mbappe on the left, and the France captain finished superbly to put his side ahead.

Mbappe’s celebration was short-lived. He showed signs of pain immediately after scoring and fell to the ground, leading Zidane’s coaching staff to replace him in the 59th minute with Desire Doue.

Doue almost made an instant impact, testing the Turkey defence with a dangerous shot only three minutes after coming on. France continued pressing for a second goal, with Jules Kounde going close to scoring his first for the national team when his effort struck the post in the 69th minute.

Bradley Barcola added pace and energy to France’s attack after his introduction and continued to trouble Turkey’s defence into the closing stages.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute when goalkeeper Cakir handled the ball outside his penalty area while attempting to stop Barcola’s advance and was sent off.

Esteban Lepaul was given the opportunity to make his France debut late on as Zidane secured victory in his first match. The performance was not flawless, but France achieved the most important objective by claiming the win.