Football News: Netherlands and France Face Off in Euro 2024 Showdown
Netherlands and France will meet on Friday night in a highly anticipated Euro 2024 group stage clash. The match could be missing a key player, with doubts surrounding the availability of French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, the French captain and striker, suffered a broken nose during Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over Austria. Didier Deschamps, the France manager, has confirmed that Mbappe will require surgery after the tournament, but his status for the Netherlands clash remains uncertain.
France secured a narrow win in their opening game, but they will need to raise their performance against a strong Dutch side. Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands team came from behind to defeat Poland 2-1 in their first match, with Wout Weghorst’s late goal proving to be the difference.
“This Group D clash is set to take place at the Leipzig Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 8 PM UK time.”
talkSPORT will provide full live coverage, with Hugh Woozencroft as the presenter and commentary from Joe Shennan and former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo. The match will also be broadcast on BBC One.
The Netherlands and France have faced each other four times previously at the UEFA European Championship. France prevailed on penalties in the quarter-finals in 1996, while the Netherlands won both of their group stage encounters in 2000 and 2008. France have been the dominant side in recent meetings, winning seven of the last eight matches between the two nations.
With Mbappe potentially sidelined, Deschamps may turn to the experienced Olivier Giroud or the in-form Marcus Thuram to lead the French attack. The Netherlands, on the other hand, will be hoping that Weghorst’s match-winning goal against Poland earns him a starting spot, while Jeremie Frimpong could replace the ineffective Xavi Simons in the lineup.
Both teams will be looking to maintain their winning starts and take a significant step towards securing a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Fans can expect an enthralling encounter between two football powerhouses.
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