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The French and the Turks have parted a draw on Monday, October 14 at the Stade de France (1-1). The Blues, despite the opener by Olivier Giroud, miss the opportunity to qualify on Monday for the Euro 2020 and will have to wait.
From our special correspondent at the Stade de France,
We expected a special atmosphere during the qualifying match for Euro 2020 between France and Turkey this Monday, October 14 evening at the Stade de France.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launches last Wednesday a military operation in northern Syria against Kurdish forces, described as terrorists by Ankara, but longtime partners of Westerners in the fight against the jihadists of the Islamic State group (EI), sparked an international outcry.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian even canceled his presence at the meeting and several French politicians asked that the meeting not take place. To make matters worse, last Friday, during their match against Albania, the Turkish players had celebrated a goal by a military salute ...
Still Olivier Giroud
The warm reunion between the two coleaders of group H, four months after the French defeat in the fury of Konya (2-0 defeat), were therefore tinged with a heavy political touch. But in the stands, no hostility towards France, while some comments could suggest that the Marseillaise might be whistled.
On the field side, the Blues could qualify with a victory against Turkey after that of last Friday against Iceland (1-0) thanks to the penalty of Olivier Giroud. On Monday, the Chelsea striker started the game on the bench, giving way to Wissam Ben Yedder. Five minutes after coming into play, he placed his head on a Griezmann corner and allowed the Blues to open the score (76).
Equalization at the end of the meeting
Despite a dominance of the men Didier Deschamps, the score remained blank when returning to the locker room after the first period.
The world champions had proved dangerous in the 17th minute when Moussa Sissoko recovered at the penalty box a ball repelled by the Turkish goalkeeper Günok, on a strike from Griezmann.
For Turkey too, the ticket for the Euro could be validated in case of victory in Paris, combined with a draw or a defeat of Iceland against Andorra, or draw if the Icelanders came to lose. With this draw, no more calculations. Even if Turkey showered the audience of the Stade de France by equalizing thanks to defender Kaan Ayhan (82) on free kick.
The world champions, in lack of success, imprecise in the last gesture, had the best opportunities, but stumbled on an imperial Günok. The Blues will have to wait before getting their qualification for the Euro 2020. The Turks remain at the top of Group H with the same number of points (19) as France ahead of the goal difference.