Netherlands and France played to a goalless draw in Euro 2024 in a tight and tense match where neither team seemed willing to take risks. Both sides had opportunities in the first half, with France missing their star player Kylian Mbappe and trying to control the game’s pace, while the Dutch relied on the skill of players like Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay on counterattacks. Despite some chances, neither team could find the back of the net in a first half where they didn’t reach their full potential.
The second half saw France’s Antoine Griezmann missing a couple of key chances, while the Dutch had a goal disallowed for offside. Both teams left the field with a point, securing their spot in the knockout stages with four points each. Meanwhile, Poland became the first team to exit Euro 2024, and Group D is still open for Austria, France, and Netherlands to battle for the top spot. The absence of Mbappe raised questions about France’s ability to be a threat in the tournament, especially after lackluster performances in their first two matches.
Dayot Upamecano was named the Player of the Match for his strong defensive performance for France, limiting the Dutch’s chances and providing key moments throughout the game. Despite the lack of goals, Upamecano’s efforts were crucial in ensuring his team left with a point. Player ratings for both teams showed mixed performances, with players like Depay and Griezmann failing to make a significant impact on the game. France had missed opportunities, including Griezmann’s chance from six yards out that he failed to convert.
Key moments in the match included a missed opportunity for France early on when Rabiot failed to connect with Griezmann in front of goal. Another chance for Griezmann went begging as he couldn’t put the ball past the Dutch goalkeeper. A goal by Simons for the Netherlands was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR review, adding to the drama of the match. Despite these moments, both teams settled for a point, focusing on securing their places in the knockout stages rather than risking a loss.
Overall, the match between Netherlands and France ended in a stalemate, highlighting the teams’ cautious approach and the importance of securing points to progress in the tournament. With the absence of Mbappe, France struggled to create clear opportunities, while the Netherlands also failed to capitalize on their chances. As the group stage nears its conclusion, the focus shifts to the final round of games to determine the group winner. Both teams will aim to improve their performances in the knockout stages, with the hope of advancing further in Euro 2024.
