Kylian Mbappé stays on bench, After breaking his nose in France’s opening Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands, Kylian Mbappé was not used as a substitute in Friday’s goalless draw.
There were concerns that the captain of France may miss the match in Group D, but manager Didier Deschamps confirmed to the press on Thursday that his star player will be present.
Kylian Mbappé, however, was chosen to take a break as he observed his colleagues struggle to overcome the Oranje.
In truth, Les Bleus almost lost the match. Xavi Simons thought he had scored the winner for the Netherlands in the second half, but the goal was controversially ruled out for an offside.
While Simons was obviously onside, the visual assistant referee (VAR) determined that teammate Denzel Dumfries was offside and had impeded France custodian Mike Maignan.
Without its best player, France found it difficult to convert chances and remained wasteful in front of goal for the duration of the game. Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann both missed two significant chances.
Still, the draw will probably be sufficient to guarantee France’s passage to the next round. When Les Bleus take on Poland on Tuesday, they will have the opportunity to win the group.
Kylian Mbappé will have another chance to return in the last group stage match; earlier this week, the 25-year-old exercised while sporting a tricolore mask with French influences.
UEFA regulations, however, state that “medical equipment worn on the field of play must be a single color and free of team and manufacturer identification,” therefore, Kylian Mbappé is not permitted to wear the multicolored mask during a Euro 2024 match.
Credit: CNN