Kylian Mbappe watched from the bench as France and the Netherlands played out a goalless draw at Euro 2024. This match, held in Leipzig, saw both teams on the brink of qualifying for the last 16, despite the lack of goals.
After breaking his nose in France’s opening Group D win over Austria, Les Bleus’ captain donned a mask in training and was relegated to a substitute role. The absence of Mbappe on the field was notable as the game unfolded with intense but ultimately fruitless exchanges.
The Netherlands thought they had secured a crucial win when Xavi Simons struck in the second half. However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled out the goal, much to the disappointment of the Dutch fans. The decision was made after a lengthy VAR check, with Denzel Dumfries deemed to have blocked France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.
Television cameras frequently focused on Mbappe, highlighting his reactions as the game progressed. Despite the excitement off the field, the match itself started energetically. Maignan was called into action in the opening minute, brilliantly turning a Jeremie Frimpong effort behind for a corner after he burst through the French defense.
Bart Verbruggen, the Dutch goalkeeper, was also tested early on. Antoine Griezmann, who took on a more advanced role in Mbappe’s absence, forced an acrobatic save from Verbruggen. France missed two good chances to take the lead soon after, with Adrien Rabiot opting to pass to Griezmann when clean through, only for the forward to slip. Griezmann then sent another effort just wide of the post.
The frenetic pace of the game eventually settled down, with few opportunities arising. Marcus Thuram blazed over from a tight angle, and the first half ended without any significant breakthroughs.
The second half began more sedately. Thuram shot wide when off balance, and Aurelien Tchouameni headed just over the bar. France continued to press, with N’Golo Kante threading the ball into Griezmann, but Verbruggen’s quick reflexes kept the score level.
The Dutch believed they had finally broken the deadlock when Simons rifled home, but the goal was ruled out due to Dumfries’ interference with Maignan. This decision left the match in a stalemate, with Mbappe remaining on the bench throughout. France’s struggle to win matches without their star forward continues, now stretching back seven games to March 2022.
Both France and the Netherlands are poised to qualify for the knockout stages with a draw in their final group matches. However, Austria’s win over Poland in the other Group D clash keeps the competition tight.
Kylian Mbappe’s presence on the bench was a significant storyline, but the on-field action delivered an intense, albeit goalless, spectacle. As Euro 2024 progresses, both teams will aim to secure their spots in the next round.