Netherlands vs France Highlights: Kylian Mbappe sits out first goalless stalemate of Euro 2024 marred by VAR call

The Netherlands and France played out a 0-0 draw in their UEFA Euro 2024 Group D meeting tonight, with both European powerhouses booking their place in the last 16. The big talking point of tonight’s game was Xavi Simons’ disallowed goal, while Kylian Mbappe sat on the bench throughout due to his nose injury.

There were chances at each end, but both teams were disappointing in front of goal. Kylian Mbappe‘s firepower was glaringly missing, and Antoine Griezmann’s first-half miss was a shocker.

Netherlands vs France Highlights

1′ – CLOSE: The Netherlands nearly take an early lead when Jeremie Frimpong is played through on goal by Xavi Simons. The Bayer Leverkusen winger’s drilled effort is turned away by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

14′ – CLOSE: Somehow, Les Bleus aren’t in front when Antoine Griezmann fluffs his lines with the goal at his mercy. Adrien Rabiot makes the bizarre decision to square the ball when one-on-one with Bart Verbruggen, and the surprised Atletico Madrid forward sends the ball wide of the post.

16′ – SAVE: The Dutch have made a bright start to the game, and Cody Gakpo is lively and unlikely not to put his nation ahead. The Liverpool attacker’s attempt is met by a vital stop from Maignan. Ronald Koeman will like what he’s seen from his troops.

28′ – MISS: France go close to taking the lead when Jules Kounde finds Marcus Thuram, who surges forward towards goal. The Inter Milan frontman sends a shot high and over the bar when he really should have done better.

31′ – YELLOW: Netherlands midfielder Jerdy Schouten has his name taken after he is adjudged to have fouled Griezmann, with both players jostling for position.

63′ – CLOSE: France have a golden opportunity to take the lead when Ousmane Dembele’s cross meets Aurelien Tchouameni, and the Real Madrid midfielder sends his header just over from close range.

65′ – SAVE: Bart Verbruggen comes up trumps for the Netherlands when the Brighton shot-stopper denies Griezmann after N’Golo Kante linked up with the veteran forward.

69′ – OFFSIDE: Oranje look to have taken the lead when Xavi Simons fires in a low-driven shot that finds the bottom left corner. The PSG youngster’s celebrations are cut short when English referee Anthony Taylor rules the goal offside. It’s a hugely controversial decision, and VAR has a look

71′ – NO GOAL: The longest VAR check of Euro 2024 results in the goal not being awarded because Denzel Dumfries is offside when Xavi Simons strikes. The Inter Milan right-back is adjudged to have prevented Mike Maignan from diving to his left, which appears to be a harsh call.

Player of the Match: N’Golo Kante (France)

Another man-of-the-match award for the excellent N’Golo Kante, who continues to roll back the years at Euro 2024. The Al-Ittihad midfielder, 33, created one big chance, won three of five ground duels, and was seemingly everywhere in the middle of the park. Didier Deschamps’ bold decision to bring him back into the national team has paid off.

Key Stats:

France failed to find the net despite 14 attempts at the Netherlands’ goal, their highest tally at a major tournament since their Euro 2016 final loss to Portugal (18 shots). Kylian Mbappe will have been begging for any of those chances tonight.

This was the first 0-0 draw of Euro 2024 and the fifth draw between Oranje and Les Bleus in 31 games between the two nations.

France have won the first two group games at a European Championship for the fourth time in their history. They also managed the feat in 1984, 2000 and 2016.

Conclusion:

Netherlands’ clash with France was touted as one of Euro 2024’s most tantalizing group games, but this was perhaps the biggest letdown of the tournament thus far. Both sides’ lack of killer instinct in front of goal was surprising, and VAR also reared its ugly head with a majorly controversial decision.

Nonetheless, Ronald Koeman and Didier Deschamps will be pleased that their teams have made it to the knockout stages of Euro 2024. They’ll likely be eager to do so as Group D winners, with Oranje facing Poland and Les Bleus clashing with Austria in their final group games.