France and Poland played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Dortmund on matchday three of the UEFA Euro Cup 2024. Coupled with the corresponding Group D encounter between the Netherlands and Austria, the qualification scenario is all sorted out. France will head into the knockouts as the second-placed team where they will face the runners-up of Group E.
A returning Kylian Mbappe was one of the few positives for France. The 25-year-old was a constant threat, and eventually got his first-ever goal at the European Championship with a composed penalty. Robert Lewandowski, however, returned the favor with a penalty on the other end to salvage the first point for Poland in this tournament.
France still far away from their best level
Heading into the round of 16, French supporters will be worried about the displays from their national team. Didier Deschamps has tested various tactics but so far none has produced the style of play associated with Les Bleus. One can argue that individual quality has been the savior for France in the group stages. “We wanted the first place but we needed to win to do that.”, were the words of the slightly annoyed French manager after the game.
The 55-year-old coach has taken with him a relatively new and fresh squad to the European championship. That has possibly been the reason behind the unsatisfactory performances from France. The 2018 FIFA World Cup champions will need to sort out the irregularities before the fast-approaching knockout stages to end the 24-year drought for the Euro trophy.
Kylian Mbappe returns to the starting eleven unfazed
France missed the presence of its captain, Kylian Mbappe in the stalemate against the Netherlands on matchday two. Wearing a mask, Mbappe was named in the starting eleven by Didier Deschamps, as France looked to seal the deal in Group D. Many doubted the fact that the Real Madrid forward would be able to operate at his usual self with a protective mask on but Mbappe was not to be halted by that.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man finished the game with six successful dribbles, seven duels won, and five shots on target. Perhaps, the one disappointment will be having only one goal in his bag for an exhibition like that. Inevitably, Kylian Mbappe’s form will have a direct influence on France’s subsequent run in the competition.