A late and controversial VAR review denied Xavi Simons a late winner as his Netherlands drew Kylian Mbappe-less France 0-0 at EURO 2024 on Friday.
Both the Netherlands and France got off to a good start in Group D as they won their opening games at EURO 2024 to set up this pivotal clash, and there was little to separate the pair.
[ MORE: EURO 2024 schedule | EURO 2024 squads ]
All of the talk ahead of this game was about Kylian Mbappe’s broken nose and he was not used as Didier Deschamps only subs were 75th-minute injections of Olivier Giroud and Kingsley Coman.
The French had 63% possession and took 15 of the game’s 23 shot attempts but both sides will leave thinking they have every opportunity to win EURO 2024.
Both teams have four points while Austria have three and Poland is yet to claim one through two matches.
EURO’s longest VAR review in spotlight
Xavi Simons has been primed for the big stage since a very young age, and looked set to take the next step with a memorable winner against France.
That is until an offside Denzel Dumfries was deemed to be interfering with the ability of French goalkeeper Mike Maignan to get to the ball.
It’s very difficult to imagine Maignan getting to the ball, though Dumfries is undebatably offside.
"Obviously I'm really disappointed the goal was not allowed... but I'm really happy and proud I'm playing for my country on the biggest stage." 🇳🇱🧡
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 21, 2024
Xavi Simons talks about his disallowed goal after Netherlands' scoreless draw vs France ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9iWAAxnIp5
What’s next?
The final group stage matches take place at Noon ET Tuesday, when Poland meet France and Austria deals with the Netherlands.
How to watch Netherlands vs France, stream link and start time
Kick off: 3pm ET, Friday (June 21)
Stadium: Leipzig
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
Netherlands vs France live updates — By Nick Mendola
Netherlands vs France final score: 0-0
Goalscorers: None
VAR Check
There’s a long offside check after Xavi Simons pummeled a loose ball inside the far post to give the Dutch a lead.
The captains are speaking with referee Anthony Taylor now in what’s been a long delay.
It’s offside. 0-0, 75'.
Netherlands good early in second half
Dayot Upamecano and Mike Maignan have been difference makers at the back for the French, who are dealing with a confident Dutch attack.
How long before Ronald Koeman looks to Ryan Gravenberch, Joshua Zirkzee, or Donyell Malen?
France leading the way
The Netherlands have had one decent chance from Memphis Depay but otherwise it’s been all about the French.
Griezmann looks lively and Les Bleus have taken a pair of shots.
Early warning sign from Les Bleus
Antoine Griezmann lashes a shot from outside the box that forces Bart Verbruggen into a leaping save and concedes a corner kick.
The French can’t do anything with it.
Netherlands lineup
Verbruggen; Dumfris, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay
France lineup
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Thuram, Griezmann
Netherlands team news, focus
Weghorst and Malen had a big impact off the bench in the Netherlands’ 2-1 comeback win against Poland, but Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons should start again. Koeman has plenty of youth in his midfield but we could see him go for a more defensive look with Georginio Wijnaldum key.
France team news, focus
The main injury issue for France is Mbappe and it seems like Marcus Thuram, Olivier Giroud or Randal Kolo Muani will start in his place if he isn’t fit to start. France worked hard against Austria for their 1-0 win and although it wasn’t perfect, Deschamps will be delighted with the performance N’Golo Kante put in as he rolled back the years in midfield. The defensive solidity a peak Kante provides is what Les Bleus need if they’re going to win this competition.
Netherlands vs France prediction
This should be a very exciting game as both teams will go all-out for the win and try to entertain as they already have three points on the board. They’ll both be happy with a draw. Netherlands 2-2 France.