The Netherlands and France played the first match at Euro 2024, in which neither side wanted to lose. It was very much a case of no Mbappe, who remained on the bench, no party for the tournament favorites who struggled but created few chances.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DAYOT UPAMECANO (FRANCE)
It wasn’t the best quality of play, but Upamecano did his defensive duties well for France and provided some key moments in the first half where the Dutch played their more dangerous football. He remained strong in the challenge and coped well with the pace of Depay, Simmons and Frimpong throughout the game which limited the Netherlands to minimal chances in the second half.
In such a goalless draw, it was clearly not the fault of the defenders why his team came away with only one point.
PLAYER RATINGS
Netherlands: Verbruggen 7, Dumfries 6, De Vrij 6, Van Dijk 6, Ake 5, Schouten 5, Reijnders 6, Frimpong 6, Simmons 7, Gakpo 6, Depai 4. Substitutions: Gertruida 5, Wijnaldum 6, Veerman 5, Veghorst.
France: Menghan 7, Kounde 6, Upamecano 7, Saliba 6, Hernandez 5, Kante 7, Chouameni 6, Rabiot 5, Dembele 5, Griezmann 6, Thiram 4. Subs: Coman 4, Giroud 5.
Highlights of the match
14′ IT SHOULD BE 1-0 FRANCE – What a chance for France! After patient play, Rabiot slipped in behind, but, six yards out, he decides to square Griezmann who falls to his feet and completely misses the ball!
65′ ANOTHER GOLDEN CHANCE FOR GRIEZMANN – France finally create a clear opening as Thuram spins his man, deflects Kante who puts Griezmann through on goal again. The captain, however, throws the ball and cannot get it past Verbreugen.
69′ GOAL! – NETHERLANDS 1-0 FRANCE (SIMMONS) – Just when the French were on top of this game, Simmons heads home from the rebound! But will he stand there is an offside flag on Dumfries who stood by Menjan. Did he disrupt the game?
71′ GOAL CANCELED! – Dumfries was adjudged to have intervened from an offside position. It took an awfully long time and seems awfully harsh on the Dutch. It remains aimless.