Euro 2024: Robert Lewandowski’s Poland become first team to get eliminated after Netherlands and France play out draw
Poland became the first team to get eliminated from Euro 2024 after the Netherlands and France ended their clash in a goalless draw on Friday (June 21). Michał Probierz's squad lost their previous two clashes against the Oranje and Austria.
Poland are currently last in Group D with the Netherlands on top with four points while France stand second with the same number of points. Austria are third with three points. Orły have not claimed the championship title once in the nation's history and will have to wait for the next edition to make that possible.
In their match against Austria on Friday (June 21), Poland were defeated 3-1 at Olympiastadion Berlin. Captain Robert Lewandowski was not named in the starting XI of the Euro 2024 clash. The 35-year-old forward came on the pitch in the 60th minute, replacing Krzysztof Piątek.
Speaking about his decision about the line-up and Robert Lewandowski's form, Michał Probierz said (via Yahoo Sports):
"He was fully fit and he has practised with the team. We knew that this would be a highly intensive match and we decided with the medical team and Robert Lewandowski himself that he wouldn't start from the first minute."
"We wanted to get through that Austrian defence in the second half and it's a pity we couldn't score that second goal before them," added the Polish manager.
Poland are pitted against France next in Euro 2024 on Tuesday (June 25) at Signal Iduna Park.
French national team head coach opens up on France's 0-0 draw against Netherlands in Euro 2024
Following France's goalless draw against the Netherlands in Euro 2024, head coach Didier Deschamps weighed in on his squad's performance and said (via Sporx):
"Unfortunately we couldn't find the goal. It was a high-intensity game and although I was disappointed with our inefficiency in front of goal, I was pleased with the way my boys played tonight. We are doing great work up front. There are a lot of positives to take away and both are strong players."
The 55-year-old French manager appeared to be optimistic about their next clash against Poland and added:
"We played against opponents, but of course you need to score goals to win the matches. We will look at this and hope to improve ourselves in the next match."
French defensive midfielder N'Golo Kante won the Player of the Match award for his performance against the Netherlands. France have claimed the European Championship twice in 1984, and 2000.