Netherlands and France edge closer to last 16 after stalemate

France and the Netherlands played it safe in a 0-0 draw that failed to explode into life in Group D at Euro 2024 on Friday, leaving both sides within sight of a place in the last 16 and eliminating Poland.

With France captain Kylian Mbappe remaining on the bench after suffering a broken nose in their opener, the game sparked only in fits and starts, without ever threatening to turn into a classic.

Both sides squandered chances and had periods of control, but neither could find a breakthrough and eased off the throttle in the second half, seemingly content to claim a point.

The one moment of drama after the break came when Dutchman Xavi Simons had the ball in the net but it was disallowed because Denzel Dumfries, standing offside next to keeper Mike Maignan, was penalised with the decision confirmed by VAR after a lengthy review.

The decision infuriated the Dutch fans crammed behind that goal and a stream of objects were hurled onto the pitch.

“The position of Dumfries is offside, that's true. But he isn't disturbing the goalkeeper. And when that does not happen, then it's a legal goal in my opinion,” Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman said.

“Did they need five minutes to check it because it's so difficult? I don't understand this."

Group D after 2 rounds 👀 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/npz3XAtw9O

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@UEFAEURO) June 21, 2024