France missed the chance to secure the top spot in their Euro 2024 group after a 1-1 draw with Poland on Tuesday, despite Kylian Mbappe scoring his first European Championship goal. Austria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over the Netherlands propelled them to the top of the group, leaving France in second place.
This is the first time since Euro 2012 that France has not finished first in their group at a major tournament. Didier Deschamps’ team was left to rue several missed opportunities.
“We’ve achieved our first objective,” Deschamps stated. “Even if we don’t have the spot we were aiming for because we are second. A new competition is about to start.”
Austria, who lost their opening match to France, secured their place in the last 16 and pushed the Netherlands down to third place in Group D.
France dominated the match against Poland but have only managed two goals in Germany so far – an own goal by Austria’s Maximilian Woeber and Mbappe’s penalty.
In the last 16, Les Bleus will face the runners-up from Group E, which includes Belgium, Ukraine, Romania, and Slovakia, all currently with three points.
Poland’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, standing in for Wojciech Szczesny, made two excellent saves to deny Mbappe, who was playing in a mask after breaking his nose against Austria. Mbappe eventually found the net in the 56th minute, scoring a penalty after Ousmane Dembele was fouled by Jakub Kiwior.
However, Poland equalized with a penalty of their own. Robert Lewandowski’s initial weak attempt was saved by Mike Maignan, but a retake was ordered due to Maignan stepping off his line, and Lewandowski made no mistake the second time.
Austria’s Triumph Over the Netherlands
Dutch fans turned Berlin orange, but it was Austria who started brightly, taking the lead when Donyell Malen accidentally scored an own goal. Malen then missed a clear chance to redeem himself, shooting wide when through on goal.
The Netherlands equalized early in the second half through Cody Gakpo after a quick counter-attack. Austria regained the lead when Romano Schmid’s header was deflected into the net by Stefan de Vrij.
Memphis Depay leveled the score again with a brilliant volley, but Austria clinched victory in the 81st minute with Marcel Sabitzer’s powerful strike.
Ralf Rangnick’s side now advances to face either Turkey, the Czech Republic, or Georgia in the round of 16, aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time. The Netherlands will face the winners of either Groups B, C, or E.
For more detailed coverage, visit Euro 2024 Official Website.
