Published 14:00 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
After a late equaliser, Turkey put hold on current World Champion France's hopes of making it to the Euro 2020 on Monday. The match at Stade de France witnessed high French security as it was played in the backdrop heightened political tensions after French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to "help the Islamic State group re-emerge in the region". France follows Turkey, who currently enjoy the top spot of Group H on the second with equal points. With the International break almost coming to an end, France will now have to wait until next month to ensure a spot in the Euro 2020.
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 their spot in the 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 Gunok, who showed amazing reflex by blocking another follow-up strike from Sissoko. The Catalan striker, just five minutes later took a brilliant header which landed straight in Gunok's hands. After a goalless first half, Turkey coach Senol Gunes introduced AC Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu to add some more attack to their game whereas their second substitute was made in the 53rd minute when Ayhan came on for injured Zeki Celik. France introduced Chelsea striker Oliver Giroud in the 70th minute of the game, reaped the fruit for the World Champions as he headed a perfect corner by Antoine Griezmann on the far left bottom of the Turkey net in the 75th minute. Turkey was quick enough to retaliate as Ayhan headed the equaliser off a Calhanoglu set-piece. The Turkey players celebrated the goal with a military salute that UEFA will likely investigate as the body does not allow any political gestures on the field.
France need a win, Turkey needs to avoid a loss
France's coach Didier Deschamps after the match said that, "They scored a set-piece when we last met in June and we were aware of that. We did everything we could to win the match based on the play and number of chances. They didn't have many but put away a crucial set-piece." While France face Moldova at home next month, they will surely look to clinch their spot, Turkey on the other hand, just need to avoid defeat against third-placed Iceland to seal their place in the Euro 2020.
Updated 15:23 IST, October 15th 2019