Kylian Mbappe watched from the bench as France missed a string of good chances on their way to a 0-0 draw for the first time in Uefa Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
Antoine Griezmann, who played in a much-improved position in the absence of captain Mbappe with a broken nose, came closest to both of them, firing close range shots as France failed to score for the third time in six games.
The Netherlands thought they had scored the winner in the 69th minute when Xavi Simons fired the ball into the net from just inside the penalty area, only for a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check to rule that the goal was offside against Denzel Dumfries.
France play their final group stage match against Poland, who have lost both of their matches, on Tuesday, while Oranje, who have four points, and Austria.
The Dutch thought they had won but after a long VAR check by the English officials, there was no goal.❌
What do you do about it? #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #NEDFRA pic.twitter.com/spedGxVOjW
-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 21, 2024
France v Netherlands: Mbappe says no
For all the praise for their defenders before the tournament started, the Netherlands could have been more comfortable than most of Mbappe’s teams in hosting one of the heavyweights in the first leg of the finals.
Mbappe has scored six goals in five appearances, but his involvement has been in serious doubt since he was forced off against Austria on Monday.
The captain will wear a protective mask when he returns and his return to the team will be marked by the much-needed edge it will give France, on this evidence.
Griezmann should have scored in the first 20 minutes, although the main blame can be placed on midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who came forward on goal but chose to pass to the striker rather than shoot, seemingly catching his teammates by surprise. like the whole field.
Marcus Thuram duly tried to return Mbappe’s brutality in an almost unconvincing way, reaching the ball high and trying to cross the goal.
Antoine Griezmann won’t want to watch this 🫣 again #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #NEDFRA pic.twitter.com/VrqbO7lb66
-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 21, 2024
Griezmann was ruining the France v Netherlands game
Bart Verbruggen helped after the break when he had a very small hand on Griezmann’s effort in front of goal, although the 21-year-old goalkeeper would have had no chance had the Atletico Madrid hotshot been at fault. the chance is worth it.
Simons appeared to have fallen when his fine tackle was denied, Dumfries was adjudged to have blocked keeper Mike Maignan when the ball went in.
Both teams may go through or not get another point, the Netherlands beat Poland 2-1 in their first match of the tournament.
