Kylian Mbappé’s absence was keenly felt as France played out a goalless draw against the Netherlands in their second EURO2024 group stage match. Despite the best efforts of both teams, neither could break the deadlock at the Leipzig Arena. Here are five key takeaways from the match.
Controversial VAR decision steals the spotlight
The most contentious moment came when Xavi Simons’ second-half goal was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review. The decision hinged on Denzel Dumfries’ positioning and whether he impeded France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Despite Dumfries not obstructing Maignan’s line of sight, the goal was chalked off, causing frustration among Dutch fans. This incident – the longest VAR check of the tournament – echoed ongoing debates about the technology’s consistency and effectiveness.
Kanté shines in midfield despite offensive woes
N’Golo Kanté was a standout performer for France, covering every blade of grass and earning the Man of the Match accolade for the second game running. His relentless energy and defensive acumen were crucial in stifling Dutch attacks and driving France forward. Despite the team’s lack of goals, Kanté’s form offers a silver lining, showcasing his vital role in the squad’s overall dynamic.
France’s attack looks toothless without Mbappé
France’s offensive struggles were evident without their star forward Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined with a broken nose. Antoine Griezmann missed several key opportunities, emphasising the team’s dependence on Mbappé’s goal-scoring ability. Didier Deschamps’ decision not to risk Mbappé – even as a substitute – highlighted concerns over his fitness for future matches, and the lack of cutting edge in France’s attack raises questions about their depth and versatility upfront.
Dutch attack falters without a finisher
The Netherlands struggled to convert their chances into goals, with Memphis Depay once again underperforming in the attacking role. Calls for Wout Weghorst grew louder as Dutch fans looked for a more clinical option upfront. Despite his late introduction, Weghorst couldn’t make a significant impact as he did in Hamburg on Sunday. This lack of a reliable goalscorer could prove detrimental as the Netherlands move deeper into the tournament, highlighting a pressing need for attacking efficiency.
Defensive resilience offers a glimmer of hope for France
France’s defensive performance was a highlight, with Virgil van Dijk leading a robust backline that successfully contained Dutch threats. The French defence limited the Netherlands to few clear-cut chances, apart from the disallowed goal. This solid defensive display provides a foundation for France to build upon, especially as they look to resolve their attacking issues. Maintaining this resilience will be crucial for their progress in the competition.
The goalless draw between the Netherlands and France, ending a 50-match streak of goals at the Euros, provided much to ponder for both teams. France’s struggle without Kylian Mbappé and the controversial VAR decision will dominate discussions, while N’Golo Kanté’s performance and the defensive solidity offer some positives. Both teams remain in strong positions to advance, but the challenges highlighted in this match will need addressing to ensure deeper runs in the tournament.
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