Netherlands 0-0 France: Player ratings as Mbappe-less Blues held in toothless display | UEFA Euro 2024
France were held to a goalless stalemate with the Netherlands in Group D of the UEFA Euro 2024 on Friday (June 21), as both sides missed a chance to book their place in the round of 16.
Kylian Mbappe was the most notable absentee from the match as the forward had gone off with a broken nose during their opener against Austria on Monday (June 17). The Blues, regardless, created better chances, with Antoine Griezmann mustering four of their first attempts before the break.
As for the Dutch, chances were at a premium for them in the first half, and Xavi Simons had the ball in the back of the net in the 71st minute, only for the VAR to rule it out for offside play.
Despite having only 37% possession, the Netherlands finished with more attempts on target (four) than France (three), but just like their rivals, they lacked the cutting edge to bury them.
Neither side would be too impressed with the result, but with four points each in two games, the European heavyweights are in a good position to reach the knockout stages.
The Netherlands play Austria in their final group fixture whereas France take on Poland on Tuesday (June 25). Here are the player ratings for France:
Mike Maignan - 6.5/10
A solid and reliable figure in goal for Les Blues, Maignan had to make a save right in the opening minute, and didn't look back thereafter; a clean sheet to boot too.
Jules Kounde - 7/10
Jules Kounde came alive for France on the right with an eye-catching display. His movements caused the Dutch all kinds of problems, as the Barcelona star linked up well with inviting crosses and clinical passes. He made five crosses in the game and registered 90% passing accuracy.
Dayot Upamecano - 7/10
Upamecano moped up everything in front of him and worked in tandem with William Saliba to keep Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo quiet in the opening stanza. He completed over 100 passes and registered a 95% completion rate.
William Saliba - 7/10
The Arsenal ace put up a resolute display to keep everything kosher in defense. His vision and positional awareness were top-notch as Saliba didn't allow much time or space for the Dutch forwards to work into.
Theo Hernandez - 6.5/10
Hernandez started the match brightly, making excellent recoveries and combining well with forwards like Griezmann, though his influence faded soon after. Towards the end, the 26-year-old popped up with some vital interventions, including a crucial clearance to deny Virgil van Dijk a chance to score a header from a free-kick.
N'Golo Kante - 7.5/10
His stupendous partnership with Griezmann was crucial to opening up the Netherlands' defense. He laid three key passes and created one big chance in the game while demonstrating impeccable passing range.
Aurelien Tchouameni - 7.5/10
The Real Madrid starlet came into the XI following Mbappe's injury and delivered a passing masterclass. He completed 104 of his 107 passes (97%) in the game but sometimes allowed the Dutch to break on the counter. Tchouameni also saw an inviting cross headed over the bar from close range.
Adrien Rabiot - 6.5/10
Some really poor decisions on the ball early in the contest cost France the chance to go in front. Rabiot twice came within a good shot of scoring, but squared it to Griezmann every time, as the Juventus midfielder was clearly hesitant. His ball-winning capability, though, was top-notch as Rabiot competed in eight ground duels, winning seven.
Ousmane Dembele - 7.5/10
The PSG ace put Nathan Ake through a grinder, as Dembele won eight of his 14 ground duels and made some excellent runs throughout the game. He laid two key passes and mustered four crosses too.
Antoine Griezmann - 6/10
Without the brilliance of Mbappe leading the line, Griezmann was supposed to lift France up but didn't quite bolster his squad as he'd have liked. His finishing wasn't the best tonight, neither were his set-piece deliveries. A disappointing show on a night where he had a terrific chance to become the difference-maker for his side.
Marcus Thuram - 6/10
In the absence of Mbappe, he led France from the front but failed to offer meaningful attacking menace. Thuram finished without a single shot on target, a cross, and a key pass.
Substitutes
Kingsley Coman - 6/10
He looked to connect with a brilliant cutback from Rabiot in the 89th minute but it was just too far ahead of him.
Olivier Giroud - 6.5/10
Lots of energy but sometimes a bit too overzealous. Giroud lost track of a cross by Tchouameni and minutes later, headed the ball back into the middle in a good chance, but it went begging.