Kylian Mbappe watches on as the Netherlands and France play out the first goalless draw of Euro 2024
The Netherlands and France played out the first 0-0 of Euro 2024 in what was a tense and tight affair that neither side seemed to want to lose.
Both sides threatened on several occasions in the first half as the French side, missing their talisman in Kylian Mbappe, looked to play the game at their own pace, while the Dutch sought to utilise the pace of Xavi Simons, Memphis Depay and Jeremie Frimpong on the break.
Despite Antonine Griezmann fluffing his lines from 6 yards out after Adrian Rabiot unexpectedly squared him the ball there were few big chances in a first half where neither side really got out of second gear.
The second half was played at an even more lacklustre pace than the first with Griezmann again spurning France’s best opportunity of the half while the Simons had a goal harshly ruled out for the Netherlands as Denzel Dumfries was judged to have blocked Mike Maignan from an offside position.
Although neither side will be too pleased with their performance a point tonight sees both reach four points and virtually guarantee progression to the knockouts. Meanwhile, Poland are confirmed as the first side out of Euro 2024, and Group D goes to the final game to decide which of Austria, France and the Netherlands will top the group.