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 French started without Kylian Mbappe after he broke his nose in the win against Austria on Monday and they clearly missed their captain as they failed to take a number of chances.
But it will be the Netherlands who will feel most aggrieved at not claiming the three points after Simons’ strike was chalked off.
The 21-year-old’s drive from distance was disallowed by the on-field officials, led by referee Anthony Taylor, for an apparent obstruction on the goalkeeper by Denzel Dumfries, who was standing in an offside position.
That prompted a lengthy check by the video assistant referee, who ultimately backed up the original decision.
It was harsh on the Dutch, but they could have been two or three goals down before then if Antoine Griezmann had not missed a number of big chances.
He first missed a shot from close range in the first half after being set up by Adrien Rabiot, who perhaps should have shot himself. Griezmann then sent a decent chance wide before prodding a tame effort at Bart Verbruggen after good work by N’Golo Kante.
Wout Weghorst, who scored a late winner against Poland in the Netherlands' first game, was again sent on in the closing stages but could not find the net this time.
The result means both sides are on four points in Group D, while Poland are eliminated.
Both these sides should progress to the knockouts despite failing to take three points on Friday night, but the result will nevertheless leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the Dutch.
Many in the ground felt they had a perfectly good goal ruled out when Simons smashed a fine drive from just outside the box into the back of the net.
It was disallowed almost immediately before VAR then intervened for what was the longest check of the tournament so far.
In the end it was deemed that Dumfries, who was stood next to Mike Maignan, had hindered the France goalkeeper while in an offside position, much to the anger of the Dutch fans.
But that will not have been their only source of frustration as Memphis Depay once again struggled to make an impact in attack.
With Weghorst again having to make do with a place on the bench, Dutch supporters chanted his name in the second half and, although he was brought on with 11 minutes to go, it was not enough time for him to make an impact on this occasion.
No Mbappe, no party for France
France fans perhaps feared the worst when their talisman Mbappe was not named in the starting line-up, despite having trained on Thursday with a protective mask.
It had seemed he might be able to play some part, but instead he was named among the substitutes.
France had not won any of their six previous matches without Mbappe, so the signs were not good before kick-off, and they did not get better as Griezmann missed a hatful of chances.
The Atletico Madrid striker had been frustrated with his own performance in the previous game against Austria and while he was more involved here, his finishing let him down several times.
Despite his side’s lack of bite, France boss Didier Deschamps opted not to risk Mbappe as a late substitute, knowing he will need him for more important games ahead.
However, his side’s goalscoring struggles without their captain will be a concern.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1203 HRS, JUNE 22, 2024
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