Kylian Mbappe's Goal Highlights Zinedine Zidane's Competitive Debut With A Victory

Zinedine Zidane has opened his new era with the France national team with a victory. Les Bleus defeated Turkey 1-0 in their first Group A UEFA Nations League fixture at Kocaeli Stadium, Turkey on Saturday, courtesy of a second-half goal from Kylian Mbappe.

This match was Zidane's first competitive fixture as head coach of France. He fielded an attacking setup, with Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele operating as the front four.

France dominated general play, however Turkey created the first dangerous threat of the game. Just four minutes after kickoff, Burak Yilmaz fired a shot from close range.

France Goalkeeper Mike Maignan pulled off a crucial save to block the effort, before Maxence Lacroix cleared the follow-up rebound right off the goal line.

This early warning sign confirmed France would need to work hard to break down the host's defence. Multiple attempts from Mbappe, Dembele and Olise failed to produce a goal.

France's best first half chance arrived right before the break. In the 45th minute, Rayan Cherki played a pass to an unmarked Adrien Rabiot directly in front of goal, but Rabiot sent his finish soaring over the crossbar.

Both sides headed into the half time interval with the score deadlocked at 0-0.

France increased their intensity after the break. Even so, Turkey created another clear opportunity in the 51st minute through Ismail Yuksek.

Yuksek's free header from inside the penalty box was once again denied by Maignan.

Three minutes later, Mbappe changed the course of the match. The France forward and captain received a pass from Michael Olise on the left side of Turkey's penalty area.

Mbappe unleashed a powerful driven shot into the far right corner of Ugurcan Cakir's goal. The ball hit the back of the net, Putting France 1-0 ahead in the 54th minute.

This goal would stand as the match winner for Les Bleus, delivering a positive competitive debut for Zidane as France manager.

However Zidane could not fully enjoy his captain's goal. Mbappe was forced off the pitch just five minutes after scoring.

Mbappe sustained an issue to his left knee during the goalscoring action. Zidane substituted him for Desire Doue in the 59th minute.

France created several further chances to double their lead. Jules Kounde and Olise both threatened in the 69th and 72nd minute respectively, but neither could alter the scoreline.

Turkey continued searching for an equaliser. In the 75th minute Arda Guler came very close to lifting the home crowd, only for Maignan to once again be perfectly positioned to secure France's goal.

Turkey's task became even harder five minutes before the end of regular time. Ugurcan Cakir was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area while attempting to stop Bradley Barcola's breaking run.

France controlled the remainder of the match with their numerical advantage. No further goals were scored before the final whistle blew.

This victory earns France three points and puts them in 2nd place in Group A. Les Bleus are level on points with Belgium, who won 2-0 against Italy, but sit behind them on goal difference.

For Zidane, this win over Turkey marks the start of his tenure with the French national side. For Mbappe, his match-winning goal secured all three points for his team, though the condition of his left knee is now a cause for concern.

Match Lineups

Turkey (3-4-2-1): Ugurcan Cakir; Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci; Oguz Aydin (Eren Elmali 76'), Salih Ozcan, Ismail Yuksek (Melih Kabasakal 88'), Ferdi Kadioglu (Deniz Gul 93'); Arda Guler, Can Uzun (Kerim Akturkoglu 76'); Baris Alper Yilmaz (Altay Bayindir 88').

France (4-3-3): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Truffert; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise (Bradley Barcola 78'), Rayan Cherki (Eduardo Camavinga 78'), Kylian Mbappe (Desire Doue 59'); Ousmane Dembele (Esteban Lepaul 93').