Netherlands vs France: Euro 2024 In-Depth Review

Key Moments

1. Early Dutch Attack: Within the first minute, Jeremie Frimpong almost put the Netherlands ahead, but his shot was saved by Mike Maignan.
2. Griezmann’s Missed Chances: Antoine Griezmann had multiple opportunities to score, including a long-range shot and a close-range effort, both saved by Bart Verbruggen.
3. VAR Controversy: Xavi Simons’ goal for the Netherlands was disallowed by VAR due to Denzel Dumfries being offside and obstructing the goalkeeper.
4. Substitutions and Tactical Changes: Both teams made significant substitutions, including the introduction of Olivier Giroud and Wout Weghorst, but neither could break the deadlock.
5. Final Whistle: The match ended in a 0-0 draw, ensuring both teams remain in strong positions to advance to the knockout stages.

Match Overview

The Euro 2024 Group D clash between the Netherlands and France ended in a goalless draw, but the match was anything but dull. Both teams had their moments of brilliance and frustration, with a significant VAR controversy adding to the drama. The result leaves both teams with four points from two games, almost guaranteeing their progression to the knockout stages.

Player Ratings

Netherlands

• Bart Verbruggen (8/10): Made several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop from Griezmann’s long-range effort.
• Jeremie Frimpong (7/10): Energetic and quick, he almost scored in the opening minute and was a constant threat down the right.
• Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Solid at the back, marshaled the defense well and was vocal throughout the match.
• Nathan Ake (6/10): Reliable in defense but had a few shaky moments under pressure.
• Denzel Dumfries (6/10): Involved in the controversial offside decision, but otherwise solid defensively.
• Frenkie de Jong (7/10): Controlled the midfield with his passing and vision, linking defense and attack effectively.
• Marten de Roon (6/10): Did the dirty work in midfield, breaking up play and providing cover for the defense.
• Cody Gakpo (6/10): Showed flashes of brilliance but was well-contained by the French defense.
• Xavi Simons (7/10): Thought he had scored the winner, only for VAR to disallow it. Energetic and creative throughout.
• Memphis Depay (6/10): Worked hard but struggled to find space against a well-organized French defense.
• Wout Weghorst (6/10): Came on as a substitute and provided a physical presence but had limited impact.

France

• Mike Maignan (8/10): Made crucial saves, including a fingertip stop from Frimpong’s early effort.
• Jules Kounde (6/10): Solid defensively but offered little going forward.
• Dayot Upamecano (7/10): Strong and composed at the back, dealt well with the Dutch attackers.
• Ibrahima Konate (6/10): Reliable in defense, though occasionally caught out of position.
• Theo Hernandez (6/10): Provided width on the left but was defensively suspect at times.
• N’Golo Kante (8/10): Outstanding in midfield, breaking up play and driving the team forward.
• Adrien Rabiot (6/10): Missed a good chance to score but was otherwise solid in midfield.
• Antoine Griezmann (6/10): Had several chances to score but was denied by Verbruggen. Worked hard but lacked the finishing touch.
• Kingsley Coman (6/10): Showed pace and skill but was well-marked by the Dutch defense.
• Marcus Thuram (6/10): Worked hard on the wing but had limited impact on the game.
• Olivier Giroud (6/10): Came on as a substitute and provided a focal point in attack but had few opportunities to score.

FAQs

Q: Why was Xavi Simons’ goal disallowed?
A: The goal was disallowed because Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position and obstructing the goalkeeper, preventing him from making a save.

Q: Why was Kylian Mbappe wearing a black mask?
A: Mbappe wore a black mask due to a broken nose sustained in a previous match. UEFA regulations required the mask to be a single color.

Q: What does the draw mean for both teams?
A: The draw leaves both teams with four points from two games, putting them in strong positions to advance to the knockout stages.

Q: Who were the standout players in the match?
A: Bart Verbruggen and Mike Maignan were standout performers, making crucial saves for their respective teams.

Group D Table

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GF	GA	GD	Points
France	2	1	1	0	1	0	+1	4
Netherlands	2	1	1	0	2	1	+1	4
Austria	2	1	0	1	1	1	0	3
Poland	2	0	0	2	1	3	-2	0

Next Fixtures

• Netherlands: The Netherlands will face Austria in their next Group D match.
• France: France will play against Poland in their final group stage match.

Conclusion

The Netherlands vs France match in Euro 2024 was a thrilling encounter, marked by high-quality play, missed opportunities, and a significant VAR controversy. Both teams showcased their strengths and weaknesses, and the result leaves them well-placed to advance to the knockout stages. The performances of key players like Bart Verbruggen and Mike Maignan were crucial in maintaining the clean sheets, while the tactical decisions and substitutions added to the intrigue of the match. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this result and continue their quest for European glory.