The much anticipated match of the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage was the clash between France and Netherlands in Group D on Friday at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. However, even though both sides looked to get the opener and break the deadlock, the goal didn’t seem to be in the destiny of either of the two teams. This 0-0 draw between the two sides would just be summed up by two big moments of the game, one for each side.
The first half had been relatively boring, apart from Adrien Rabiot's moment of lunacy when he chose to give the ball to Antoine Griezmann from close range rather than take a shot. To the dismay of the Oranje, the referee disregarded Xavi Simons' first goal for the Netherlands versus France in a Group D encounter during the 71st minute of the game.
To the excitement of countless Dutch supporters in the stadium, Simons received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, and his first attempt caressed the net. But following a lengthy discussion, the referee as well as the linesman decided to rule out the goal.
For the fourth time, France may win its opening two UEFA Euro matches. The Blues had advanced to the tournament final the three times it had happened. In their last eight meetings across all competitions, France defeated the Netherlands seven times. Its lone defeat was during the November 2018 UEFA Nations League game.
How does Group D shape up after the second round of matches?
Following a 0-0 tie with France during its second Group D match, the Netherlands maintained their lead in the group. France, with the same number of points and goal differential as the Netherlands, occupies second place because it has scored less goals.
After losing 1-3 to Austria, Poland fell to the bottom and currently has an unfavourable record. After a goalless match between France and the Netherlands, Poland, led by Robert Lewandowski, becomes the first nation out of Euro 2024.
Fans react as France and Netherlands play out stalemate: -
Xavi Simons shot was drilled right into the bottom corner, Maignan didn't and couldn't attempt to reach it and Dumfries wasn't in his line of vision.
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) June 21, 2024
Every decision in this tournament has taken 2 minutes at most to reach a conclusion, who's in the VAR room today, Stuart Attwell. pic.twitter.com/lpuT1lqxiI
N'Golo Kanté is the only player to win the UEFA Player of the Match award in both games so far at EURO 2024. ✌️#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/lu1AsJDRnu
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 21, 2024
Can anybody give me a reason that it was offside?
— 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐀 🧊 (@CRICFOOTHAROON) June 21, 2024
These silly English referees have no knowledge about football.
Netherlands have been robbed.#NEDFRApic.twitter.com/XS1X9GMkWW
I find it hard to believe I am the only one growing increasingly frustrated with Memphis lack of precision and consistency during these significant tournaments.#NEDFRApic.twitter.com/fYoP8ed9KB
— 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐀 🧊 (@CRICFOOTHAROON) June 21, 2024
C’est le pire raté de cette Euro #NEDFRA #EURo2024 pic.twitter.com/UWmWBpXTQZ
— 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮 (@Raphigrana) June 21, 2024
OFFSIDE, NETHERLANDS HAVE BEEN ROBBED ..!!#NEDFRApic.twitter.com/XS1X9GMSMu
— 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐀 🧊 (@CRICFOOTHAROON) June 21, 2024
Memphis performance has left me utterly speechless. The lack of sharpness in crucial moments is truly disheartening.
— 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐀 🧊 (@CRICFOOTHAROON) June 21, 2024
Timid!#NEDFRApic.twitter.com/s7gFOr97Td
L’équipe de France sans Kylian Mbappé if i speak #PBSFRA #NEDFRA #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/IekHKKgD0l
— ً (@dnctway) June 21, 2024