Kylian Mbappe's 7-word message to Xavi Simons after disallowed goal in Netherlands vs France at Euro 2024 comes to light
France talisman Kylian Mbappe joked with Netherlands' Xavi Simons after his 70th-minute goal was ruled out by VAR during their Euro 2024 game. The two teams were held to a 0-0 draw in Leipzig on Friday, June 21.
France started their campaign but a rather unconvincing 1-0 win against Austria. On the flip side, the Netherlands beat Poland 2-1 to secure their first win in Euro 2024 campaign.
The two heavyweights, however, battled it out for a 0-0 draw on Friday. While both teams are slated to progress to the Round of 16 of the competition, Simons' disallowed goal was the talk of the town following the clash.
Both teams had a sedate start to the game. France captain Mbappe missed the game after breaking his nose in their game against Austria following a collision with Kevin Danso.
Simons, meanwhile, seemed to have given the Netherlands the lead in the 70th minute, but VAR disallowed his goal. His teammate Denzel Dumfries was deemed to be obstructing French goalkeeper Mike Maignan while standing in an offside position.
Mbappe was in conversation with Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum after the game. When Simons approached the group, the 25-year-old said (via Sport Bible):
"He was thinking he was killing us!"
Simon and Mbappe shared the pitch 11 times during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk also weighed in on the decision, saying:
"We scored a goal that is a fair goal. He had no chance to get into that corner. But yeah, the English referee decided not to give it."
France play their final group-stage game against Poland on June 25, Tuesday.
Why has Mbappe been disallowed to wear a protective mask to cover his injured nose?
Shortly after pictures of his injured nose surfaced, an image of Mbappe's protective mask also surfaced online. The mask bears the colors of the national flag and the logo of France's international football team.
However, the former PSG talisman won't be allowed to wear it due to UEFA regulations. The regulations dictate that all medical equipment, including face masks, casts, kneepads, or knee braces, should be of a single color. They must also be free of any manufacturing identification.
It remains to be seen if the Frenchman will appear in the squad to take on Poland. The Frenchman was named captain of the squad following Hugo Lloris's retirement last year. In 80 appearances for his country, the now-Real Madrid star has managed 47 goals and 34 assists.