Mbappe scores but Les Bleus held

Kylian Mbappe made a goalscoring return but it was not enough for France to beat Poland and clinch top spot in Group D at Euro 2024.

The France captain donned a protective face mask after breaking his nose against Austria eight days ago but it didn’t hinder him as displayed all his trademark pace and power in the blazing sunshine in Dortmund.

Indeed, had it not been for a fine performance from Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski then Mbappe would have been celebrating long before his 56th-minute penalty opened the scoring.

The man with the mask 🎭

Kylian Mbappe has scored his first-ever goal at the Euros 🔥#Euro2024 #FRAPOL pic.twitter.com/9LMiMukIyy

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 25, 2024

But French dominance made way for uncertainty and nervousness as the game wore on and already-eliminated Poland took full advantage. Dayot Upamecano fouled substitute Karol Swiderski inside the area and Robert Lewandowski marked his first start of the tournament with the equaliser from a twice-taken penalty.

It was no more than Poland deserved and the stalemate will lead to more questions of Didier Deschamps’ side who continue to lack fluency.

Les Bleus finish second in the group, behind surprise package Austria, who beat the Netherlands in Berlin. France will take on the runners-up in Group E on Monday in the round of 16.

Poland boss early exchanges

Poland held their own in the opening half hour with Piotr Zielinski again looking their most creative player.

The Inter new boy had the first chance with a low drive that drew a smart save from Mike Maignan.

Theo Hernandez came close at the other end before Maignan had to be alert again after 14 minutes when Kacper Urbanski reacted quickest to fire a shot on goal from a left-wing corner.

Zielinski then provided Lewandowski with Poland’s clearest chance of the first half, his teasing cross from the left picking out the Barcelona striker but his tame header clipped the heels of William Saliba before going wide.

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Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/france-1-1-poland-mbappe-scores-but-les-bleus-held/

Author : Jon Fisher

Publish date : 2024-06-25 18:02:18

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