France faces the Netherlands in their second match at the European Championship as they seek to maintain their dominance. The French team has won seven out of the last eight meetings against the Dutch, both at home and away in qualifying matches. However, the buildup to this match has been overshadowed by concerns about star player Kylian Mbappé’s availability after breaking his nose in the opening game against Austria. Despite the speculation, Mbappé is expected to miss the upcoming match and will likely need to wear a protective mask when he returns to play.
Mbappé, who has yet to score in a European Championship in five attempts, has been a key player for France with 47 goals in 80 games, including 12 in the Euro qualifying matches. The French team and the Netherlands are currently tied on three points in Group D, with both teams securing wins in their opening matches.
In their previous qualifying matches, France defeated the Netherlands 4-0 at home and 2-1 away. The Dutch team, led by coach Ronald Koeman, will be looking to secure a victory against the French to advance in the tournament. Dutch forward Xavi Simons, who played on loan for Leipzig last season, will be a player to watch as he returns to face his former club.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the French team’s biggest concern lies with Mbappé’s injury status. Coach Didier Deschamps is expected to provide an update on the star player’s condition ahead of the match. On the other hand, the Netherlands will be without midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners due to injuries.
In their previous encounters, France has won 15 out of the 30 meetings against the Netherlands, with the Dutch scoring more goals overall. The French team has a strong track record in major tournaments, reaching the final in three out of the last four World Cups and European Championships.
Both teams are determined to secure a victory in this crucial match, with France aiming to continue their winning streak against the Netherlands. The intensity and efficiency displayed by both teams will be key factors in determining the outcome of the game. Fans can catch all the action on FOX at 3 p.m. ET.
As the match approaches, players and coaches from both teams have shared their thoughts on the upcoming showdown. Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen expressed his excitement about playing in front of the passionate Dutch fans, while France midfielder Adrien Rabiot highlighted the importance of maintaining intensity and efficiency on the field.
Overall, the France vs. Netherlands match promises to be an exciting and intense encounter between two powerhouse teams in the European Championship. Fans can expect a thrilling game as both teams battle for supremacy on the field.