Controversial VAR Call Results In Netherlands And France Sharing Points In Euro 2024

Xavi Simons saw a potential winner controversially disallowed as the Netherlands and France played out a 0-0 draw in Group D at Euro 2024. A VAR check led to the Dutchman's 69th-minute strike being ruled offside, preventing the Oranje from securing their place in the round of 16 with a game to spare.

Antoine Griezmann missed several chances for France, who struggled in front of goal with Kylian Mbappe benched due to a broken nose. Both teams now have four points each. Following Austria's win over Poland earlier on Friday, the top three teams will battle it out on the final matchday, with Poland already eliminated from the tournament.

The Netherlands started strongly, with Jeremie Frimpong forcing a fingertip save from Mike Maignan within the first minute. France soon found their rhythm, but Griezmann, wearing the captain's armband in Mbappe's absence, failed to convert multiple opportunities.

Maignan was called into action again when Cody Gakpo cut inside from the left and unleashed a firm shot across goal. Just before the half-hour mark, Marcus Thuram missed a one-on-one chance after beating the offside trap, slicing his effort over the crossbar.

France rallied on the hour mark, with Aurelien Tchouameni heading over and Griezmann seeing another chance smothered by Bart Verbruggen. Against the run of play, Simons thought he had scored for the Netherlands, but Denzel Dumfries was judged to be offside and impeding the goalkeeper, leading to the goal being disallowed after a lengthy VAR review.

Pre-match discussions focused on Mbappe's fitness after he suffered a broken nose against Austria. He started on the bench, with Marcus Thuram leading the attack in his absence. Griezmann was France's main threat, appearing in his 11th consecutive game at the Euros for France.

This match marked Griezmann's record-equalling 32nd appearance at major tournaments for France, matching Lilian Thuram's record for French outfielders. Despite having five shots overall, Griezmann failed to lead Les Bleus to victory. France's wait for a win without Mbappe in their starting lineup continues, having not won any of their last seven such matches (five draws, two defeats).

After losing both qualifying meetings for Euro 2024 by an aggregate score of 6-1, the Netherlands were likely wary of facing Les Bleus again. However, without Mbappe—who has scored six goals in five matches against them—the Netherlands held firm.

The Oranje have now avoided defeat in all three of their group-stage meetings with France at the Euros (2000, 2008, 2024). Defensively strong, they limited France to 13 shots with only three on target and an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.4. Virgil van Dijk led by example with seven clearances as the Netherlands secured their clean sheet.