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Big match in Group D of Euro 2024, which sees the Netherlands and France face each other. A match made up of flare-ups, balance and also many technical errors on both sides. The final result of 0-0 is the inevitable consequence. Koeman plays it openly, opting for a decidedly enterprising right wing with Dumfries and Frimpong. Deschamps dispenses with Mbappé from the 1st minute, deploying Thuram and Griezmann up front.
The Dutch coach’s choice was almost rewarded after less than a minute: a deep ball from the Bayer Leverkusen winger, who appeared in the area and kicked, finding the providential deflection into the corner by Maignan. Immediate response from the Bleus, with a shot from outside by Griezmann to which Verbruggen responds by raising the ball over the crossbar. The most favorable phase for the French team continues, with a double chance missed by the Atletico striker: first he doesn’t have a good impact with the ball following a comfortable assist in front of Rabiot’s goal and then he finishes wide following a suggestion from Kanté. In the remaining part of the first half of the game, one opportunity for each side – with Gakpo and Thuram as the protagonists – and in general the feeling that the spark to turn the match is missing.
The start of the second half was more French-tinged, with several chances including the one missed by Griezmann just a stone’s throw from goal. In the most difficult moment the Netherlands passes, but it is a joy that does not last long. We are in the 69th minute, when Simons takes advantage of a rebound from Maignan following a shot from Depay and scores the 1-0. However, a goal was disallowed shortly afterwards due to active offside by Dumfries which prevented the AC Milan goalkeeper from trying to intervene.
A whirlwind of changes at the end, with Deschamps and Koeman sending their respective strikers, namely Giroud and Weghorst, hoping they will find the decisive shot. There is nothing to be done: one of the most awaited matches of the first phase of the European Championships ends in a goalless draw. Holland and France therefore reach 4 points, with Austria 1 point behind after this afternoon’s victory against Poland. Everything is still open in terms of qualifying for the round of 16 and the final positions in Group D.
