da casino： Xavi Simons controversially had a goal ruled out by VAR, while Memphis Depay flopped in the Netherlands' goalless draw with France
da bet sport： France and the Netherlands played out the first goalless draw of Euro 2024 in a disappointing heavyweight clash on Friday.
In a match that was one of the most eagerly anticipated of the group stage, this contest turned into something of a damp squib. The Dutch were set up for counter-attacks and were restricted to a handful of fleeting attacking forays, whereas the French – who chose not to play Kylian Mbappe after breaking his nose – had much of the ball but didn't create many clear-cut chances.
For Didier Deschamps' side, Antoine Griezmann went closest but failed to convert several close-range chances and for Ronald Koeman's men, Simons was denied what looked like a goal after a lengthy VAR review as Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have interfered with goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
In the end, neither side could be separated as they all but secured progression to the last 16 of the competition.
GOAL rates Netherlands' players from Red Bull Arena…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Bart Verbruggen (7/10):
Was alert to keep out an Antoine Griezmann's piledriver and then denied the little Frenchman just after the hour mark with a spread-eagled stop.
Denzel Dumfries (5/10):
Was caught out on a couple of occasions in the first half and offered very little both in attack and defence. The right-back is said to want to join a Premier League team but won't get many suitors off the back of this display.
Stefan de Vrij (6/10):
Had a good tussle with Marcus Thuram and held his own against the striker but was bailed out a couple of times by team-mate Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10):
Nothing got past him early doors, but Thuram's neat backheel bamboozled him and nearly led to a goal. Was given a different dilemma when the wily veteran Olivier Giroud came on and kept him honest.
Nathan Ake (7/10):
Had the measure of right-back Jules Kounde when he got forward but the pacey Ousmane Dembele kept him on his toes.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Jerdy Schouten (5/10):
The most functional of the Dutch midfielders. Didn't break up play particularly well and may be lucky to start in the next game.
Tijjani Reijnders (7/10):
Made some vital covering work in the first half and relieved pressure with some driving runs from deep in his own half.
Xavi Simons (7/10):
Enjoyed a few turnovers in France's half but his execution in the final third was poor early on. However, he improved as the game wore on and was unlucky to have a goal chalked off.
Getty ImagesAttack
Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):
His blistering pace caused problems to France's backline but didn't get enough opportunities to wreak havoc.
Memphis Depay (5/10):
Was very wasteful in possession and with his distribution to start and that didn't improve as the encounter progressed. A disappointing night for the ex-Barcelona man.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
The Liverpool ace looked a threat cutting in on the left and running at defenders but was perhaps underused on the night. Got back to do his defensive duties, too.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Georginio Wijnaldum (6/10):
Certainly offered more in midfield in his short cameo than Schouten did.
Wout Weghorst (6/10):
Brought on to try and grab a winner but made a great defensive block deep into second-half stoppage time.
Joey Veerman (6/10):
Added a bit more solidity in the middle of the park.
Lutsharel Geertruida (N/A):
A late introduction.
Ronald Koeman (7/10):
Went for a more attacking lineup by bringing in Frimpong for Joey Veerman and set his side up to get men behind the ball and then hit France on the counter, which was moderately successful. May have been the happier of the two managers.