Kylian Mbappé rattled the strings from the penalty spot on his return to the game after fracturing his nose, but France conceded the equalizer to Robert Lewandowski in set play and Poland snatched a 1-all draw -1, Tuesday, at the European Men’s Soccer Championship.
Mbappé removed his mask to celebrate with French supporters his goal scored in the 56the minute of play, thus recording his first Euro goal in 2024. However, it was not enough to confirm his country’s first place in Group D.
Lewandowski saw his penalty saved in the 77the minute of play by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Polish striker, however, recovered and threaded the needle on his second attempt.
France therefore finished second behind Austria in Group D, and it will face the country which finishes second in Group E – that is to say Belgium, Romania, Slovakia or Ukraine – in round of 16 of the tournament, the 1er July.
France has still not scored regularly at Euro 2024, as it beat Austria 1-0 following an own goal and drew 0- 0 against the Netherlands. Mbappé was absent from this duel after fracturing his nose against Austria.
Mbappé was back in the starting lineup against Poland, who were already eliminated from the tournament before the match started. His play was obviously affected by his mask, which limited his peripheral vision.
He limited his struggles for possession of the ball, and was downright invisible during aerial duels.
Nonetheless, Mbappé remains France’s most dangerous striker, and he recorded his first goal in six games in this competition — he took part in four matches at Euro 2020, and two more this year — after ‘Ousmane Dembélé was tripped in the penalty area.
Mbappé played the entire match, which he started in a leading attacking position. Head coach Didier Deschamps then relegated him to the left flank, where he played a more subdued role for France — two-time European champions and finalists at the 2022 World Cup.
Surprise, Austria at the top of the group!
Marcel Sabitzer scored late in the match to send Austria into the next round of the Euros, following a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands.
The Austrians needed a point to avoid a loss, and the match got off to a flying start after Dutch striker Donyell Malen scored an own goal in the sixth minute of play.
Substitute Xavi Simons then set up Cody Gapko’s equalizer two minutes into the second half, but Romano Schmid restored Austria’s lead in the 59th minute.
Memphis Depay once again brought the two teams back to square one in the 75theafter the video replay called by referee Ivan Kruzliak confirmed that he had not touched the ball with his hand.
Sabitzer came back two minutes later for Austria, firing a powerful shot from a tight angle.
This net proved to be the winning net, despite a thrilling end to the match at both ends of the field.
Austria therefore finished at the top of Group D. France and the Netherlands were already assured of continuing their journey by virtue of their results in previous matches.
Contributed by Ciaran Fahey of the Associated Press