Watch Netherlands vs France full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 21st June 2024
The referee for this match is A. Taylor
Game played at Leipzig Stadium
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group D, Season 2024
Netherlands and France Draw 0-0 in Controversial Euro 2024 Group D Clash
The Netherlands’ four-match winning streak in European Championship group games ended in a controversial 0-0 draw against France in Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena. This result leaves Group D wide open with both teams vying for top spot.
Bright Start for the Netherlands
The Dutch began the match with intensity, nearly scoring in the opening two minutes. Jeremie Frimpong’s shot was expertly turned away by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France, traditionally dominant in recent head-to-head encounters, struggled initially. Antoine Griezmann had a chance to respond, but his shot from 10 yards went wide.
Griezmann’s Miss of the Tournament
The first half’s most dramatic moment came from Griezmann, who missed an open goal from six yards after Adrien Rabiot set him up. This glaring miss was a let-off for the Netherlands, and the game settled into a cautious rhythm, reaching halftime scoreless.
Second Half: France Presses, Netherlands Holds
In the second half, France ramped up the pressure. A defensive error by Stefan de Vrij allowed Marcus Thuram a clear chance, but he failed to score under pressure from Virgil van Dijk. French opportunities continued to come, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Griezmann both missing close-range chances around the hour mark.
Controversial Disallowed Goal
The game’s most contentious moment occurred 20 minutes from time. Xavi Simons appeared to have scored for the Netherlands, but the goal was disallowed after VAR review. Denzel Dumfries was deemed to have interfered with Maignan’s ability to save, causing outrage among Dutch supporters.
Final Stages and Implications
Despite late efforts, including from super-sub Wout Weghorst, the Netherlands could not find a winner. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, the first goalless encounter between these two nations since 2004.
Group D Wide Open
This result leaves Group D undecided. With France set to face the group’s bottom team, Poland, they might be confident of securing top spot and an ostensibly easier path to the final. Meanwhile, the Netherlands must regroup and focus on their final group match to ensure progression.
Conclusion
The Netherlands and France both showcased their strengths and weaknesses in a high-stakes, nervy encounter. While France’s clinical edge was missing, the Netherlands’ resilience kept them in contention. The final group matches will be crucial in determining the teams’ paths in Euro 2024.