Despite the absence of star player Kylian Mbappé, France and the Netherlands delivered a thrilling match this Friday, although the 0-0 draw left fans of the Euro 2024 in Germany with a bittersweet feeling.
Mbappé, who was on the bench wearing a protective mask after fracturing his nose in a previous match against Austria, watched the back-and-forth action of a dynamic game that only lacked a goal. There was, however, one disallowed goal from Dutch midfielder Xavi Simmons.
The young Simmons and his teammates celebrated exuberantly in Leipzig, but the linesman ruled that Denzel Dumfries was offside and had interfered with French goalkeeper Mike Maignan as the ball traveled. Maignan himself made a spectacular save at the very beginning of the match, stopping Jeremie Frimpong just 50 seconds in a one-on-one situation.
In this global classic featuring two extremely offensive lineups, the streak of over 50 games without a 0-0 draw in the European championship came to an end. Did Mbappé's absence on the field make such a difference?
Neither team secured their spot in the round of 16, both sitting at four points atop Group D. Their tickets to the next stage will be decided in the final matchday.
In other matches of the day, Austria thrashed Poland, led by star Robert Lewandowski, 3-1, while Ukraine came from behind to defeat Slovakia 2-1 in another thrilling encounter.
Saturday's schedule includes matches between Georgia and the Czech Republic, Turkey and Portugal, and Belgium and Romania. Without a doubt, the presence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo will be one of the major attractions.
Key Questions about France and Netherlands' Euro 2024 Draw
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent match between France and the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 tournament.
Why didn't Kylian Mbappé play in the match?
Kylian Mbappé did not play because he was recovering from a fractured nose sustained in a previous match against Austria. He was on the bench wearing a protective mask.
Was there a disallowed goal during the match?
Yes, a goal by Dutch midfielder Xavi Simmons was disallowed because the linesman ruled that Denzel Dumfries was offside and interfered with French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
What were the outcomes of other matches in the tournament?
Austria defeated Poland 3-1, and Ukraine came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1.