rance and the Netherlands faced off in a Group D clash at Euro 2024, ending in a 0-0 draw at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. Both teams now look poised to advance to the round of 16, while Poland became the first team eliminated from the group. The Netherlands could have secured a win if not for a controversial VAR decision. The largely English team of officials, after a VAR check lasting over two and a half minutes, disallowed Xavi Simons’ potential match-winning goal.
Kylian Mbappe’s absence felt
France’s captain Kylian Mbappé was benched after suffering a broken nose in their opening match. Despite his absence, the game saw moments of excitement, though it never reached its full potential. The first half was a mix of frenetic energy and missed opportunities. The Netherlands came close within the first minute when Jeremie Frimpong’s shot was tipped around the post by French keeper Mike Maignan. Shortly after, France’s Antoine Griezmann had an early shot palmed over by Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.
France had a golden opportunity when Adrien Rabiot, through on goal, chose to pass to Griezmann, who miscontrolled and lost possession. Griezmann, stepping into Mbappé’s role, had another chance but fired wide. The Dutch, despite several attacking moves, failed to find a decisive pass in the penalty area. Cody Gakpo’s shot drew a save from Maignan, but the match became cagier as the first half progressed.
France dominated possession with 61% and had 15 attempts, three on target. The Netherlands had eight attempts, four on target. Verbruggen’s passing accuracy stood out, with a 97.5% completion rate, the highest for a goalkeeper with at least 40 passes in a Euro match since 1980. The Dutch, meanwhile, failed to score for only the second time in their last 36 matches, with France being their nemesis on both occasions.
Controversial VAR Decision
In the second half, France increased the tempo. Marcus Thuram dragged a shot wide, and Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header narrowly missed. Griezmann had another close-range attempt, again saved by Verbruggen. The Dutch thought they had scored when Xavi Simons found the net, but the goal was disallowed. The linesman flagged for offside on Denzel Dumfries, who was deemed to be obstructing Maignan. VAR confirmed the decision after a lengthy review, leading to frustration for the Netherlands.
Both teams continued to press, but the defenses held firm. France had more touches in the opposition box and a higher expected goals tally. The Dutch, however, failed to capitalize on their chances. In the end, the draw left both sides with four points, likely enough to secure advancement to the knockout stages.
France will next face Poland, who have no points after losing to Austria. The Netherlands will take on Austria, who have three points. Both matches will be crucial in determining the final standings of Group D. With four points each, France and the Netherlands are well-positioned to advance, but they must remain focused to secure their spots in the round of 16.
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