Mbappe's injury ruined Zidane's debut, Khvicha missed a penalty
In the match between Italy and Belgium, the new head coaches also made their debuts, and in the duel between Mancini and van Bommel, the Dutch specialist came out on top.
Mbappe's injury overshadowed Zidane's debut, Khvicha missed a penalty
On Friday night, the matches of the 1st round of the Nations League group stage continued.
Mbappe scored and got injured
Turkey – France 0:1
Mbappe, 54 (0:1)
Zinedine Zidane started his work with the French national team just like Michel Platini: since 1988, the debut of the "Les Bleus" head coaches had not coincided with tournament matches. The France national team coach surprised many by fielding Dembele in the "number nine" position for the national team. However, on that day, it is difficult to say that this experiment in the visitors' attacking line paid off, as the team's first shot on goal came only towards the end of the first half. In the 43rd minute, the score could have been opened, but Cakir tipped the ball over with his fingertips after Olise's difficult shot was heading into the top corner.
At the beginning of the second half, the French goalkeeper Maignan was also forced to make a brilliant save. He managed to tip the ball over the crossbar after Yuksek's header bounced off the turf.
A few minutes later, the French mounted a strong press, and after winning the ball back, Olise found Mbappe, who had entered the penalty area from the left flank. Kylian scored without any resistance. This was the Real Madrid forward's 31st goal as national team captain, equaling Platini's record in this regard. In addition, he brought his goal tally for France since the beginning of the year to 12, equaling his personal record from 2022. However, the striker could not improve his statistics and was forced to leave the pitch due to an injury. He was already limping during the goal celebration, and a few minutes later, he lay down on the turf holding his left knee and made way for Desire Doue.