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Group D favourites France failed to squeeze out three points against Netherlands' Oranje with key man Kylian Mbappe a mere spectator.
The highly anticipated EURO 2024 clash between the Group D heavyweights, the Netherlands and France, ended in a stalemate at the Leipzig Stadium.
Both teams had their chances to secure a vital three points, but in the end, they had to settle for a share of the spoils, leaving the group delicately poised ahead of the final round of fixtures.
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19:55 - 21.06.2024
Euro 2024: How things look after Matchday 2 in Group A
Summary of Group A heading into the final matchday.
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Let's take a closer look at the key talking points from this thrilling encounter:
Netherlands vs France
- Group D Remains Wide Open
The highly anticipated clash between the Netherlands and France ended in a goalless draw, leaving the group wide open heading into the final round of fixtures.
After their respective wins in the opening matches, neither was able to build on that to book a place in the next round after Austria bounced back.
- Griezmann Misses Big Chances
The biggest opportunity of the night fell to French skipper Antoine Griezmann, but the Atlético Madrid forward was unable to control Adrien Rabiot's clever pass, allowing the Dutch defence to clear their lines.
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Rabiot should have taken the shot after he was put through by a brilliant Thuram backheel pass but he decided to lay it to the Atletico Madrid man who lost his footing when it mattered most.
- Gakpo Denied by Maignan
At the other end, Cody Gakpo threatened the French goal with a powerful strike from distance moments after that miss by France.
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But Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was equal to the task, pushing the ball around the post.
- Mbappe Benched
Adding to France's woes, star striker Kylian Mbappe was forced to watch the game from the bench after suffering a broken nose in their opening win over Austria.
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He looked set to play a part against the Oranje when he arrived the venue with a specialised mask but was ignored by his manager for the duration of the game.
- Forgettable First Half
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The first half was a largely uneventful affair, with both teams failing to find their rhythm and the game remaining goalless at the interval.
- Controversy in the Second Half
Just as the French were starting to take control of the game, Xavi Simons thought he had snatched all three points for the Netherlands.
But the goal was disallowed for an earlier offside infringement by Denzel Dumfries by the VAR.
In the end, the spoils were shared, leaving Group D delicately poised ahead of the final matchday.
Both the Netherlands and France will be looking to bounce back and secure their place in the knockout stages in their next fixtures.
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