Kylian Mbappe Absent as Profligate France

English VAR rules out Xavi Simons goal for dubious offside as Netherlands and France share spoils

France and the Netherlands barely made it to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after a dull 0-0 draw in Leipzig. Without Kylian Mbappe, neither team was able to get going. The French leader watched the whole game from the bench because he broke his nose in their first game, a 1-0 win over Austria, only four days before.

Netherlands vs France, Euro 2024: Les Blues with chance to qualify for RO16, Why is Mbappe wearing black mask, top talking points - Sportstar

The Dutch had a goal controversially called off by Xavi Simons, and France’s Antoine Griezmann missed two great chances.

The teams tied and now have four points, one more than Austria, who bҽat Poland 3-1 earlier on Friday. They are at the top of Group D.

The last two games of the area are on Tuesday. France plays the Poles and the Netherlands plays Austria.

Netherlands 0-0 France summary: score, goals, highlights | Euro 2024 - AS USA

These teams played twice in qualifying and France won both times. Mbappe scored four of France’s six goals in those games.

“That’s different for both teams because we’re talking about one of the best players in the world,” said Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Netherlands, when asked about not having to play the Real Madrid forward.