Mbappé scores France winner against Turkey but limps off with knee concern

France began the Zinedine Zidane era with a 1-0 win over Turkey in the Nations League, although the positive result was overshadowed by Kylian Mbappé's physical condition. The Real Madrid striker scored the only goal of the game and left the pitch minutes later with visible discomfort in his left knee.

• Mbappé netted his record-extending 67th goal for France to secure the victory.
• The French captain was substituted shortly after scoring, touching his left knee.
• Zidane said the striker will return to Real Madrid for further assessment.
• Turkey played with ten men after goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off.
• Italy lost 2-0 to Belgium and Northern Ireland won in Georgia in stoppage time.

Mbappé wins the match and raises concern at Real Madrid

Michael Olise set up Mbappé in the 55th minute and the Real Madrid forward finished with a low, driven shot that beat the Turkish keeper and decided the contest. The goal extended his own record as France's all-time top scorer, a mark that keeps growing every time he steps onto the pitch for his country.

The celebration did not last long. Moments after scoring, Mbappé sat down on the grass, grabbed the area around his left knee and asked to be replaced. Zidane responded by sending on Désiré Doué. The captain was able to walk off under his own power, a sight that eased the worst fears but left the situation open.

"It's not great. Unfortunately I think he is going to have to go home. We don't want to take any risks. He overextended his knee while shooting. It's not very encouraging," Zidane told French broadcaster TF1.

Mbappé's 67th France goal and what it means for the Nations League

The strike against Turkey carried double value: it gave Zidane a winning start and kept France strong at the beginning of the group stage. Les Bleus will host Belgium on Monday, but Mbappé's involvement in that match looks highly unlikely given the cautious message delivered by the coach after the final whistle.

Turkey reduced to ten men as France take control

Before Mbappé's goal, Jules Koundé hit the post for France. Turkey's evening then got worse when goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off for handling the ball outside his area after Bradley Barcola had been played through on goal. With an extra man, France controlled the closing stages without major trouble.

Italy beaten at home and Northern Ireland snatch late drama

Group A2 produced another notable result in Rome, where Italy lost 2-0 to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Roberto Mancini's return as head coach. Mika Godts scored on his first competitive appearance for Belgium and Dodi Lukebakio sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 69th minute.

The win marked a promising start for new Belgium coach Mark van Bommel. Belgium now visit France in the next round, while Italy travel to Turkey.

Northern Ireland win deep in stoppage time and Sweden deliver at home

In Tbilisi, Northern Ireland produced one of the most dramatic moments of the night. The Charles brothers played leading roles: Pierce saved a penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 65th minute, and Shea scrambled home the winner in the 99th minute to secure a 1-0 victory over Georgia. It was Northern Ireland's first ever away win in the Nations League, confirmed after a nervous VAR offside review.

The late joy came with a setback as defender Dan Ballard pulled up clutching his hamstring during stoppage time. Elsewhere in the group, Ukraine won 1-0 in Budapest against Hungary thanks to Danylo Sikan's goal.

Sweden took care of business at home with a 2-1 win over Romania. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres found the net for Graham Potter's side in Group B4. Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina played out a goalless draw in Warsaw. In the third tier, Montenegro came from behind to beat Cyprus with an 86th-minute goal from Milutin Osmajic, while Armenia top their group after a 2-0 home win over Latvia.

What comes next for France after Mbappé's injury

France host Belgium on Monday in the second round of Group A2. Without Mbappé, Zidane will need to reshape his attack, with Désiré Doué among the natural options after coming on against Turkey. The aim will be to strengthen their position at the top of the group before the decisive fixtures arrive.

Real Madrid's medical staff will monitor the forward closely. The Spanish club faces a demanding schedule, and any extended absence for the French star would have a direct impact on LaLiga and the European matches.