France recently faced the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 game, and all eyes were on Kylian Mbappe as he sat on the bench due to a broken nose. The 25-year-old striker showed his emotions by occasionally looking frustrated and shouting encouragement to his team-mates from the sidelines. France’s goalless draw against the Netherlands highlighted their struggles in front of the net without Mbappe.
France manager Didier Deschamps expressed his lack of concern about the team’s inability to score in Mbappe’s absence, emphasizing that it is part of the game. Despite their talented squad, France has not won any of the past seven games without Mbappe in the starting line-up, drawing five and losing two. The team has only scored one goal in two matches at the tournament.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman acknowledged the absence of Mbappe as a significant factor in the game, noting that facing France without the star player is a different challenge. Deschamps defended his decision to keep Mbappe on the bench, considering the striker’s injury and the risk of playing him too soon.
With Mbappe sidelined, it was an opportunity for Antoine Griezmann to shine. However, the Atletico Madrid striker failed to capitalize on the chances that came his way, missing key opportunities to score. Despite his struggles in front of goal, Deschamps believes Griezmann has much to offer the team with his versatility and work rate.
On a positive note, N’Golo Kante has been a standout performer for France in the tournament. Making a return to international football after a two-year absence, Kante has been instrumental in the team’s midfield, providing energy and creativity. Deschamps praised Kante’s contributions and highlighted his importance in driving the team forward.
As France looks ahead to the knockout stage, there is room for improvement in their finishing and overall performance. With Mbappe’s potential return to full fitness and the team’s depth of talent, there is optimism for a stronger showing in the upcoming matches. Despite the challenges they faced against the Netherlands, France remains a formidable contender in the tournament, with key players like Mbappe, Griezmann, and Kante leading the way.