A match to reach the round of 16. A victory for the French team against the Netherlands, Friday June 21 in Leipzig (Germany), would ensure qualification for the Blues, before their last group match against Poland.
Solid winners against Austria (1-0) for their entry into Euro 2024, the Tricolores reassured themselves before facing the other big name in Group D. For their part, the Oranje defeated Poland in the last minutes (2-1), and could also reach the knockout phase on Friday evening.
Kylian Mbappé on the bench
Hit during an aerial duel with the Austrian Kevin Danso, the captain of the French team left the pitch, with a broken nose and bleeding, on Monday June 17. If he escaped the operation, there is no guarantee that he will take the pitch against the Netherlands. “Everything is going in the right direction so that Kylian Mbappé can be available”Didier Deschamps clarified at a press conference on Thursday, but the captain of the Blues is on the bench, after a warm-up which was not really one…
Already the “final” of group D?
Beyond qualification for the round of 16, first place in Group D could be decided in Leipzig. If the French team beats the Dutch, the Blues will be assured of finishing at the top of their group, after Poland’s defeat earlier in the afternoon against Austria. They would then face the second of Group F, which includes Portugal, Turkey, Czechia and Georgia.
The Netherlands are still looking for themselves
The Oranje showed their strength of character by overthrowing Poland (2-1) for their entry into the tournament, but are still looking for certainty. Their revamped midfield, cut short by the withdrawals of Frenkie De Jong and Teun Koopmeiners, will have to prove itself against the tricolor trident Kanté-Rabiot-Griezmann. They can count on Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo to ignite the match.