)
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.
)
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.
PAY ATTENTION: Join Pulse Sports Nigeria Whatsapp Channel Channel link
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.
)
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.
)
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.
)
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
)
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.
Related content
)
17:38 - 21.06.2024
UEFA rule could force Mbappe to copy Osimhen for the rest of Euro 2024
Mbappe could make an appearance against the Netherlands but with a mask to protect his recently broken nose
)
10:07 - 21.06.2024
The record Didier Deschamps could set that would immortalize him in football history forever
Didier Deschamps stands on the cusp of footballing immortality with the potential to etch his name in history books forever.
)
08:08 - 20.06.2024
EURO 2024: Will mask-wearing Kylian Mbappe scoop Golden Boot?
Kylian Mbappe will wear a mask at Euro 2024 due to an injury which could potentially affect his quest for the Golden Boot.
)
18:19 - 19.06.2024
They play the best football — Fabio Capello makes bold EURO 2024 prediction
Former Real Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello has predicted the potential winners of the ongoing EURO 2024.
)
15:47 - 18.06.2024
N’Golo Kante: How ex-Chelsea man turned it out around to become France’s ‘Mr Reliable’ again
N’Golo Kante put in a man of the match performance as France started their Euro 2024 campaign with victory but how did the ‘forgotten man’ return to his brilliant best?
)
17:57 - 18.06.2024
France dealt Kylian Mbappe blow at Euro 2024
Les Blues will be without their captain against the Netherlands and possibly Poland as a consequence of his broken nose against Austria.
)
13:00 - 18.06.2024
Kylian Mbappe: Why the French star will skip surgery after nose fracture at EURO 2024
Fans are relieved as Kylian Mbappe's recovery plan is set following an injury during France's EURO 2024 opening match.
)
16:59 - 16.06.2024
Euro 2024: Cody Gakpo moves level with Netherlands icons after scoring against Poland
The Dutchman’s deflected effort levelled for Ronald Koeman’s men in their comeback win over Poland on Sunday.
)
10:06 - 14.06.2024
Kylian Mbappe, Bukayo Saka and the 42 stars of African descent to watch at Euro 2024
More than 42 players of African descent will showcase their diverse talents at Euro 2024, highlighting football's global reach and unity.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![How England are lining up against Switzerland amidst Marc Guehi & Kieran Trippier availability issues [REPORTS]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/06072024/37e6ee06-8a67-49df-8b3e-d20f6c3c18a9.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)