National Football Team starts UEFA Nations League with defeat against France
Losing by a single goal to France in the match played at Kocaeli Stadium, the National Team made a point-less start to the tournament.
The National Football Team started the tournament with a defeat, losing 1-0 to France in the UEFA Nations League match held at Kocaeli Stadium.
Match Details and Goal
The first half of the match played at Kocaeli Stadium ended in a goalless draw. The only goal that brought victory to France was scored by Kylian Mbappe in the 54th minute.
Red Card and Squad Changes
In the 87th minute of the match, goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was shown a red card by referee Felix Zwayer following a VAR review, on the grounds that he handled the ball outside the penalty area.
Melih Kabasakal entered the game in the 88th minute to wear the National Team jersey for the first time. Meanwhile, Mbappe, who scored France's goal, got injured in the 59th minute and was replaced by Desire Doue.
Coaching Staff and Player Statements
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak stated that they put up a good fight but could not get the result. Head Coach Vincenzo Montella noted that they displayed a neck-and-neck fight.
Arda Güler emphasized that they want to win their upcoming match against Italy, while France Head Coach Zinedine Zidane said they deserved the victory.
Next Opponent Italy
Following this result, France collected 3 points in the group, while the crescent-and-star team could not meet with points in their first match. The national team will play its second group match against Italy in Bursa on September 28.