Kylian Mbappe scores twice and gets 2 assists in just 60 minutes as France play behind closed doors friendly at Euro 2024: Reports
A masked Kylian Mbappe was reportedly at his scintillating best when France played a behind-closed-doors friendly at Euro 2024. Les Bleus' captain sat on the bench for his nation's drab 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Friday (June 21).
Mbappe was back in action after that Group D game and turned on the style with a brace and two assists in just 60 minutes, per ESPN. He started on the left wing in a game mixed with players that didn't face Oranje and Paderborn U21 talent.
German outfit Paderborn's young players were warned not to be too aggressive ahead of the friendly. Mbappe wore his black mask, and he'll have to for the rest of his participation in Euro 2024.
It was the perfect preparation for the soon-to-be Real Madrid frontman as he recovers from a broken nose. The 25-year-old attacker broke his nose when he collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso. He was left bloodied and his nose badly swollen and was forced off as France beat Austria 1-0 (June 17).
Kylian Mbappe's absence during the Netherlands draw was glaring, and he'll be eager to get back on the pitch. His nation hasn't won their last seven games in which the new Madrid star hasn't started.
Will Kylian Mbappe face Poland in France's final Euro 2024 Group D game?
France qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 following their 0-0 draw with the Netherlands. They next face Poland on Tuesday (June 25), and they'll be eager to win, given they're eyeing the top spot in Group D. Biało-czerwoni have already been eliminated from the tournament after defeats to the Dutch (3-1) and Austria (2-1).
It's still unknown whether Kylian Mbappe will be available to face Poland. Didier Deschamps is expected to make a late decision regarding his participation in that game.
Mbappe looked frustrated on the bench during France's stalemate against the Netherlands. Deschamps' attackers lacked the clinical nature that their skipper possesses. The likes of Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram, and Ousmane Dembele failed to shine in his absence.
The former PSG frontman has bagged 47 goals and 34 assists since debuting on the international scene in March 2017. He won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 but has never got his hands on a European Championship.
Mbappe has his sights set on winning Euro 2024 and could be back against Poland. He'll be looking to send a message to Polish frontman Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona superstar he'll likely be rivaling in El Clasico next season.