)
France are aiming for Group D summit
In Group D's final showdown, France sits poised to secure advancement with a draw against Austria, but the allure of topping the group lingers after a frustrating stalemate with the Netherlands.
History weighs heavily on Les Bleus, who haven't won their last group-stage finale in eight consecutive major tournaments, a streak they must break to claim the group's summit.
Meanwhile, Poland, already out of contention, seeks solace in disrupting France's ambitions. Robert Lewandowski's limited impact reflects Poland's woes, exacerbated by late-game collapses that doomed their campaign. Their record against France offers little optimism, winless in eight encounters since 1982.
In the match again the Netherlands, France struggle to find the net despite having quality on the pitch. It was unfortunate that they played without their star player Mbappe, who broke his nose in round 1.
Rabiot played in the wing and wasn’t as sharp as Mbappe or any other natural winger. He managed to run and get into the final third but there was no end product.
They were fortunate the goal the Xavi Simons was disallowed otherwise they would be at a lower position than they are now.
Griezmann on the other hand, had a few tries at goal from distance but could not find his feet in the crucial moments inside the box where he would poke the ball into the net easily on other occasions.
Key players add intrigue: N'Golo Kanté shines with two Man of the Match awards and an unbeaten record in major tournaments, anchoring France's midfield with tenacity.
Conversely, Lewandowski's scoring prowess for Poland hasn't translated into victories, epitomizing their Euro struggles.
As the group's fate unfolds, France eyes a breakthrough while Poland aims to end on a defiant note. The stage is set for a decisive clash where narratives of resilience and disappointment will script the final chapter of Group D's drama.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)