France extend their 100% win record and qualify for this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 thanks to a double from captain Kylian Mbappé, who surpassed Michel Platini’s France scoring record in the process of beating a combative Netherlands side.
Didier Deschamps’ side were quick out of the blocks, managing to net within the first 10 minutes of play. Some neat combination play down the right side between Jonathan Clauss and Kingsley Coman allowed the Marseille man to pinpoint an accurate cross into Kylian Mbappé, who finished on the volley past Verbruggen.
The quick start was encouraging for Les Bleus, who dominated possession and chances for the next 20 minutes. However, as the half went on the hosts grew into the game with Leipzig’s Paris Saint-Germain loanee Xavi Simons providing the sparks of creativity for the Dutch with an 100% pass rate in the first period. Maignan was on hand on several occasions, but the home side couldn’t capitalise further as they chased the one goal lead.
At half-time, the result was good enough to qualify for the Euros in the summer, but Les Bleus wouldn’t stop at 1-0. After a mixed first 10 minutes of the second half, it was Kylian Mbappé who came up with another moment of magic in a France shirt. The PSG man pulled off a splendid give-and-go with Adrien Rabiot before curling his shot into the top corner for his 42nd France goal, beating Michel Platini’s France record in the process.
The hosts thought they would be instantly back in the game, but a thunderous first-time finish from Dortmund’s Malen was ruled out for an offside on Manchester City man Nathan Aké. In typical Deschamps fashion, Les Bleus pragmatically managed their lead, but by the closing stages of the game it was under threat.
The Dutch were gradually putting the pressure on Maignan’s goal, and it was left-back Hartman who managed to halve the deficit with a one-two and a low finish past the AC Milan keeper. The Netherlands kept building the pressure, and pushed into injury time – Bergwijn on the end of a Hartman cross which flashed in front of goal. Ultimately, Les Bleus saw the affair through, and will face Scotland in an international friendly next week safe in the knowledge that their place at Euro 2024 has been mathematically secured.
FRANCE PLAYER RATINGS :
Mike Maignan, 5
Théo Hernandez, 5
Lucas Hernandez, 5
Ibrahim Konaté, 5
Jonathan Clauss, 6 – A hugely promising return to France action for the Marseille man, who managed to bag an assist within 10 minutes. His combination play with Kingsley Coman on the right side was key for the opener, and it set the tone for a lot of France’s dominance in the first period. The former Lens wing-back fitted naturally into the right-back position with two key passes, one assist, and four dangerous crosses into the box.
Adrien Rabiot, 5
Aurélien Tchouaméni, 5
Antoine Griezmann, 6
Kylian Mbappé, 7 – A typical game for Mbappé in a France shirt. Whilst for long periods of the match the PSG man seemed vacant, he’ll provide the spark of inspiration to change the result in instantly in favour of Les Bleus. The Bondy-born striker was at his clinical best with his first goal, a controlled volley past Verbruggen. The best came with his second goal, a wonderful curled effort which became his 42nd goall for France (ahead of Michel Platini) and his 289th career goal at the age of 24.
Randal Kolo Muani, 4 – The PSG attacker seemed off the pace and struggled to combine as effectively with his compatriotes both in midfield and in the wide areas. Kolo Muani dropped low to receive the ball and try and construct play, but couldn’t reach the high standards set by his teammates.
Kingsley Coman, 6
Others:
Olivier Giroud, 6 Malo Gusto, 5 Youssouf Fofana, 5, Marcus Thuram, 5
GFFN | George Boxall
