View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Mbappe Finally Off The Mark As France Lose Top Spot

Mbappe Finally Off The Mark As France Lose Top Spot

France 1-1 Poland

France qualified as runners-up in Group D after a 1-1 draw against Poland at Olympiastadion.

France were boosted by the return of skipper Kylian Mbappe, who returned wearing a protective mask on his broken nose, alongside his former club teammate Bradley Barcola, as two changes from their goalless draw against Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Poland, who were already eliminated, had Robert Lewandowski making his first start in the tournament.

Les Bleus turned Poland a couple of times to go through on goal in the early stages, as Theo Hernandez and Ousmane Dembele both came close from close-range.

After fading into just holding possession for the bulk of the first stanza, Didier Deschamps' charges got close to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time after Mbappe was denied by goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski in a one-on-one.

France eventually had a lifeline on the hour-mark after they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Dembele in the box. Mbappe went up and gave Les Bleus the lead with a strike on the other side of Skorupski.

However, Poland were also awarded a penalty 16 minutes before time after Karol Swiderski was kicked in the box.

Although Lewandowski's penalty was initially saved by shot-stopper Mike Maignan, a retake was ordered as Maignan moved off his line and the Barcelona forward eventually levelled matters.

Les Bleus finished second by one point Austria in Group D.

Netherlands 2-3 Austria

Austria went through to the knockout stages as winners of Group D after a surprise win over Netherlands in five-goal thriller.

Netherlands recalled Donyell Malen, who joined Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay upfront.

The Dutch had a bad start as they went behind in the first six minutes after Malen sweeped a cross by Marko Arnautovic into his own net in an attempt to clear.

Ronald Koeman's troops responded barely two minutes into the second stanza after Gakpo curled a shot into the far post after he was teed up by Xavi Simons.

Austria restored their lead on the hour-mark after Romano Schmid scored with a towering header from a cross by Florian Grillitsch.

Depay levelled matters for Netherlands 12 minutes before time with a strike from close-range.

But Ralf Rangnick's men went ahead again two minutes later courtesy of Marcel Sabitzer's blasting strike.

Austria qualifiers as winners of Group D by one point while the Dutch finished in third spot and made it to the knockout stages as one of the best four third-placed finishers.

For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here. 

Related tags

Comments

Top 5

Sundowns To Release Former Chiefs Target?

Apr 30, 2025 02:43 PM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

Pyramids’ 'Special' Request Approved Ahead Of Final

Apr 29, 2025 11:05 AM in African Football

Ekstein Celebrates Growing Family

Apr 30, 2025 11:18 AM in Fan Park

Chiefs To Fine Players For Losing?

Apr 30, 2025 12:39 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Chiefs' Aim To Sign A Creative Midfielder

May 02, 2025 02:51 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Contract Update: How Pirates Will Adjust GK Selections

May 02, 2025 12:53 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Matlou: Chiefs Competing For Top 8 Instead Of The League

May 02, 2025 12:31 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Exiled Wydad Star 'Returns' After Mokwena Exit

May 01, 2025 03:28 PM in African Football

Lorch's Unique Dining Experience

May 02, 2025 01:48 PM in Fan Park