France 1-1 Turkey: 3 talking points | European Qualifier

France's Olivier Giroud
France's Olivier Giroud

#2 The draw not enough for qualification

French manager, Didier Deschamps
French manager, Didier Deschamps

Before the game, a win for either side or a draw would have been enough for qualification. However, for both teams to qualify with a draw, Iceland had to lose to Andorra. Iceland made the draw irrelevant as they powered past a hapless Andorra side by 2-0, thanks to goals from Anor Siggurdson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

France will have to wait till November for possible qualification, as they take on Moldova and Albania. Turkey meanwhile will welcome Iceland, the team which inflicted their only defeat in Group H so far.


#1 Olivier Giroud continues to shine for France

Olivier Giroud celebrates
Olivier Giroud celebrates

It was a surprise to see Olivier Giroud on the bench, as Wissam Ben Yedder led the attack for France. However, it was a bad day at the office for Ben Yedder, as he failed to trouble the Turkish defence all night.

Ben Yedder was however hauled off in the 72nd minute, with Giroud as his replacement. The Chelsea forward was an instant hit 4 minutes later as he rose above the sturdy Turkish defence to head the ball home.

Giroud has been having a poor time under Frank Lampard this season, and he finds himself down the pecking other. However, for France, he cannot stop scoring, and he is now the highest goal-getter for France this year.

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