Euro 2024 recorded its first goalless scoreline of the competition as Netherlands and France share the spoils (Govima Sports Report).
Xavi Simons had a second-half goal controversially ruled out as the Netherlands and France played out the first goalless draw of Euro 2024. The Dutch were left feeling aggrieved after Simons’ strike was disallowed, leaving both teams with four points in Group D.
France, missing their captain Kylian Mbappe due to a broken nose sustained in the win against Austria, struggled to convert several opportunities. Antoine Griezmann, in particular, missed a number of crucial chances that could have secured the victory for Les Bleus.
The turning point came when the Netherlands thought they had taken the lead through Simons. The 21-year-old’s powerful shot from distance found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed by referee Anthony Taylor for an apparent obstruction by Denzel Dumfries, who was in an offside position. A lengthy VAR check upheld the original decision, much to the frustration of the Dutch players and fans.
Despite the controversial decision, the Netherlands could have been behind earlier if Griezmann had been more clinical. The Atletico Madrid striker missed a close-range shot in the first half after being set up by Adrien Rabiot and later squandered two more significant opportunities.
Wout Weghorst, who scored a late winner against Poland in the Netherlands’ opening game, was introduced in the closing stages but was unable to find the net this time.
Both teams are now level on points and look set to progress to the knockout stages, but the result leaves a bitter taste for the Dutch. Fans felt Simons’ goal should have stood, with the VAR check being the longest of the tournament so far.
The decision to disallow the goal was met with anger from Dutch supporters, who also saw Memphis Depay struggle to make an impact in attack. Calls for Weghorst to start were evident, but his late substitution did not yield the desired result.
For France, the absence of Mbappe was keenly felt. Despite training with a protective mask, the decision was made to rest him, knowing his importance for future matches. Griezmann’s inability to finish highlighted France’s reliance on their talismanic forward.
France boss Didier Deschamps chose not to risk Mbappe, recognising the need for his star player in upcoming games. However, the lack of goals without their captain remains a concern for the French side.
Both teams will now focus on their next fixtures, aiming to secure their place in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.
