Published 15:23 IST, October 15th 2019
Euro 2020 qualifiers: Turkey holds back France qualification with draw
Turkey's Ayhan scored a brilliant header to cancel out on Giroud's goal in the 70th minute. With the draw, France need one more win to qualify for the Euro 2020
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After a late equaliser, Turkey put hold on current World Champion France's hopes of making it to Euro 2020 on Monday. match at Stade de France witnessed high French security as it was played in backdrop heightened political tensions after French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to "help Islamic State group re-emerge in region". France follows Turkey, who currently enjoy top spot of Group H on second with equal points. With International break almost coming to an end, France will w have to wait until next month to ensure a spot in Euro 2020.
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Ayhan's late equaliser holds back France
After losing to Turkey by 2-0 earlier in June, France looked determined to win this match and book ir spot in upcoming UEFA Euro 2020. France's star striker Antoine Griezmann was constantly on his feet as he seemed to end his six-match goal drought. France looked to score early as Lucas Hernandez and Kingsley Coman combined to let Greizmann sprint forward only to be blocked by Turkey goalkeeper Mert Guk, who showed amazing reflex by blocking ar follow-up strike from Sissoko. Catalan striker, just five minutes later took a brilliant header which landed straight in Guk's hands. After a goalless first half, Turkey coach Sel Gunes introduced AC Milan playmaker Hakan Calhaglu to add some more attack to ir game whereas ir second substitute was made in 53rd minute when Ayhan came on for injured Zeki Celik. France introduced Chelsea striker Oliver Giroud in 70th minute of game, reaped fruit for World Champions as he headed a perfect corner by Antoine Griezmann on far left bottom of Turkey net in 75th minute. Turkey was quick eugh to retaliate as Ayhan headed equaliser off a Calhaglu set-piece. Turkey players celebrated goal with a military salute that UEFA will likely investigate as body does t allow any political gestures on field.
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France need a win, Turkey needs to avoid a loss
France's coach Didier Deschamps after match said that, "y scored a set-piece when we last met in June and we were aware of that. We did everything we could to win match based on play and number of chances. y didn't have many but put away a crucial set-piece." While France face Moldova at home next month, y will surely look to clinch ir spot, Turkey on or hand, just need to avoid defeat against third-placed Iceland to seal ir place in Euro 2020.
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14:00 IST, October 15th 2019