France Held To Goalless Draw By Canada In Euro 2024 Warm-Up Match

France's Euro 2024 preparations concluded with a goalless draw against Jesse Marsch's Canada in Bordeaux. Captain Kylian Mbappe was benched due to a knock sustained against Luxembourg, leaving Didier Deschamps' side struggling to break through Canada's defence. Antoine Griezmann's low drive was tipped wide by Maxime Crepeau in the first half, while Liam Millar's shot hit Mike Maignan's crossbar shortly after the restart.

Olivier Giroud, playing his final home international before retiring post-Euros, missed a volley, and substitute Randal Kolo Muani headed wide when unmarked late in the game. Mbappe, who entered as a 74th-minute substitute, attempted a mazy run in stoppage time, but his powerful drive was saved by Crepeau. Canada, preparing for the Copa America, secured a commendable result.

France will not be overly concerned yet, attributing their struggles to Mbappe's absence from the starting lineup. However, they will need to improve in the final third when they face Austria in eight days. France managed fewer final-third entries (40 to 50) than Canada and hit the target with only four of their 13 attempts.

Ousmane Dembele tried to inject some drive into the team, attempting more dribbles in the first half alone (11) than in any other game for France. Despite his efforts, both he and his teammates lacked end product.

The match highlighted areas for improvement for France as they gear up for Euro 2024. With Mbappe expected to return, Deschamps will hope for a more clinical performance against Austria.

CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 9, 2024

The June Friendly window ends with a hard-fought draw for France. Next up is the Copa America for Canada.