JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
France and the Netherlands settled for a 0-0 draw in their Group D 2024 European Championship clash on Friday.
The French are now undefeated against the Netherlands since 2018.
Antoine Griezmann squandered France’s best chances, while Xavi Simons had a goal disallowed for the Dutch in the tournament’s first goalless draw.
Both teams have four points after their second match and also ensured that Poland was the first team eliminated.
Poland was defeated by Austria 3-1 earlier Friday and is assured of finishing last in the group, even if it beats France in its final group match.
France’s preparation was dominated by speculation over whether Mbappe would play after the team captain broke his nose in their opening 1-0 win over Austria.
Mbappé trained with a mask on Thursday and coach Didier Deschamps was optimistic he would be available.
But the 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning coach evidently decided it wasn’t worth the risk of playing Mbappe in a game his team didn’t need to win.
France enjoyed their best period of pressure after the break, when Aurélien Tchouaméni headed over while goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied Griezmann from close range.
Simons then fired the ball to the other end in the 69th minute on a rebound after Mike Maignan saved Memphis Depay’s effort.
Unfortunately, the Dutch celebrations were cut short when Denzel Dumfries, who was offside, got in Maignan’s path as he tried to stop Simons’ shot.
