Football

Kylian Mbappe, the talismanic forward for France, has yet to reach his peak performance at Euro 2024 despite leading his team into the quarter-finals against Portugal on Friday. The tournament has been overshadowed by speculation about his club future and a broken nose sustained in the opening match.Mbappe, 25, will once again don a protective face mask in Hamburg, a necessity after the injury he suffered against Austria. Despite his discomfort with the mask, he remains the focal point of a French team that has reached the quarter-finals with just three goals in four matches.France's Expected Goals (XG) metric, which measures the quality of chances created, stands at nearly seven, surpassed only by Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Mbappe's own XG is 2.54, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Kai Havertz.Mbappe's frustration stems from his inability to replicate his success at the World Cups at the Euros. He was instrumental in France's triumphs in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, scoring a hat-trick in the latter's final defeat to Argentina. However, his only goal in seven Euros appearances is a penalty against Poland."My Euros didn't start like I wanted, but I am here to help the team and I really want to have success with this team," Mbappe said before the victory against Belgium. "The Euros is the only thing I have not won with the national team, so I really want to win it."France assistant coach Guy Stephan acknowledged that Mbappe was "traumatized" by the collision that resulted in his broken nose. Additionally, his difficult final season at Paris Saint-Germain may have contributed to his subdued form.Mbappe's impending clash with Portugal holds added significance as he faces his boyhood hero, Cristiano Ronaldo. The completion of his move to Real Madrid has fulfilled a long-held dream, and his admiration for Ronaldo played a role in his decision.Now, Mbappe has the opportunity to become the star in Madrid, where Ronaldo reigned supreme for nearly a decade. However, he knows that to keep his dream of winning the European Championship alive, he must first overcome Portugal and potentially end Ronaldo's illustrious international career.

As the European Championship enters its knockout stages, two of the tournament's favorites, France and Belgium, find themselves in an unexpected predicament. Both teams failed to secure top spots in their respective groups, setting up a head-on collision in Duesseldorf on Monday.France's vaunted attack has been plagued by a crisis of confidence. Despite boasting world-class talent like Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, the French have scored just two goals in their opening three matches, one of which was a penalty. Coach Didier Deschamps is facing a dilemma over whether to restore Antoine Griezmann to the lineup and pair him with Mbappe up front.Belgium's situation is equally concerning. After limping into the next stage with a draw against Ukraine, they were subjected to a barrage of criticism from their own supporters. Captain Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his displeasure with the hostile reaction, and his attitude will set the tone for the rest of the Belgian side.Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's record goalscorer, has yet to find his scoring touch in the tournament. His poor form is a major concern for a team that relies heavily on his goals.Deschamps and Belgium coach Roberto Martinez have some tough decisions to make ahead of Monday's clash. Both teams will be desperate to avoid an early exit and prove that they are still contenders for the title.The winner of the France-Belgium match will face Portugal or Slovenia in the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9.30 p.m. on July 1.

France and the Netherlands played out a goalless draw in Leipzig, edging closer to the last 16 of Euro 2024. The match lacked the spark of Kylian Mbappe, who sat out due to a broken nose.Despite the absence of their talisman, France had the better chances. Antoine Griezmann missed two glorious opportunities, while Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni also came close. The Dutch, roared on by a large contingent of fans, had a goal controversially ruled out for offside. Xavi Simons fired in the rebound after Mike Maignan saved from Memphis Depay, but Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have interfered with Maignan's line of sight.The draw leaves both teams level on four points at the top of Group D, one ahead of Austria. France face Poland, while the Netherlands take on Austria in the final games of the section on Tuesday.France coach Didier Deschamps opted for security in midfield, replacing Mbappe with Tchouameni. Without their captain, the 2022 World Cup finalists looked to Griezmann for inspiration. The stand-in skipper tested Bart Verbruggen from distance but missed a sitter before half-time.The Dutch had their moments, with Jeremie Frimpong forcing Maignan into an early save. Cody Gakpo also tested the French goalkeeper with a low drive.In the second half, France continued to create chances. Thuram fired wide from the edge of the area, while Tchouameni headed over. Griezmann was guilty of another big miss when he failed to convert a clear-cut opportunity.The major talking point of the match was the disallowed Dutch goal. Simons' effort was ruled out after a lengthy VAR check, much to the frustration of the Dutch players and fans.Deschamps resisted the temptation to risk Mbappe in the closing stages, instead sending on Olivier Giroud and Kingsley Coman. However, neither side could find a winner, and both teams settled for a point that is likely to be enough to secure their passage to the knockout rounds.

Netherlands vs France: A Clash of Titans in Euro 2024 Group StageThe UEFA Euro 2024 group stage is set to witness a blockbuster encounter as 2022 World Cup finalists France lock horns with the Netherlands in Group D. Both teams enter the match on the back of narrow victories, with France edging out Austria 1-0 and the Dutch staging a comeback to defeat Poland 2-1 on Matchday One.The match, scheduled for Saturday, June 22 (IST), will be played at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. It promises to be a captivating clash between two of Europe's most formidable footballing nations.France, led by the enigmatic Kylian Mbappe, will be eager to prove their World Cup credentials once again. However, Mbappe's participation is uncertain after he suffered a broken nose in the first game. Marcus Thuram or Kingsley Coman are likely to replace him in the starting lineup.The Netherlands, under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, will be looking to build on their impressive performance against Poland. Cody Gakpo, who scored the winning goal in that match, will be a key player for the Dutch.Both teams possess a wealth of attacking talent, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, and Memphis Depay expected to feature. The match is likely to be decided by the team that can create and convert the most chances.The Netherlands vs France match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website. Fans can expect an enthralling encounter between two of the tournament favorites.

France, boasting an impressive squad depth, faces a significant challenge in the absence of their talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined with a broken nose. The injury, sustained in their opening Euro 2024 match against Austria, casts doubt on Mbappe's availability for the upcoming clash with the Netherlands on Friday.Despite the setback, France remains confident in their ability to overcome the Netherlands without their star striker. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot expressed optimism, stating, "We have an exceptional squad. I have total confidence in the guys on the bench and the quality we have."Mbappe's absence is a significant blow, given his prolific scoring record and impact on the team's performances. However, France has shown resilience in recent matches without him, including a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifying.Coach Didier Deschamps has several options to replace Mbappe, including veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who played a key role in France's World Cup triumph in Qatar. Giroud, despite his age and recent groin injury, remains a reliable goal threat.Another option is Marcus Thuram, who can move from the left wing to a central role. However, Thuram has limited international experience and has only scored twice for France. Randal Kolo Muani is another possibility, but he has struggled for confidence after a difficult season at PSG.Despite the absence of Mbappe, France's performance against Austria suggests they have the defensive solidity to shut out most opponents. N'Golo Kante's return to the midfield has provided stability, while the defense has looked impressive.If France can secure a positive result against the Netherlands, they could seal their place in the last 16, allowing Mbappe to potentially sit out the final Group D game against Poland. However, the team will be eager to prove that they can succeed without their star player, demonstrating the depth and quality of their squad.

France celebrated a milestone victory as they secured a 1-0 triumph over Austria in their Euro 2024 opener, marking manager Didier Deschamps' 100th win at the helm. However, the victory was marred by an injury to star forward Kylian Mbappe.France's dominance was evident from the outset, with Mbappe's dazzling dribbling and incisive passing causing constant problems for the Austrian defense. In the 38th minute, Mbappe's brilliance paid off as he danced past three defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross that forced Austria's Max Wober to inadvertently head the ball into his own net.Despite their early advantage, France struggled to maintain their momentum. Austria's relentless high-pressing and aggressive tackling kept them in the contest, and they nearly took the lead before France's goal when Marcel Sabitzer's cross found Christoph Baumgartner, whose shot was deflected wide.After the interval, France regained some control, with Marcus Thuram forcing a fine save from Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz. However, the Austrians remained resolute, and their passionate fans roared them on until the final whistle.Mbappe's night took a sour turn late on when he collided with Austria's Patrick Pentz, resulting in a suspected broken nose. The incident left Mbappe bloodied and bruised, and he was eventually substituted with a yellow card for sitting down on the pitch after receiving treatment.Despite the injury to their talisman, France held on for the victory, thanks in no small part to the masterful performance of N'Golo Kante in midfield. The returning midfielder justified his recall to the squad with a dominant display, breaking up Austria's attacks and providing a solid foundation for his team.France now join the Netherlands on three points after the Dutch beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday. They will face the Netherlands in their next match, while Austria will take on Poland in a bid to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

France, the reigning World Cup champions, embark on their Euro 2024 campaign with a mission to conquer the elusive European Championship title. Led by the prodigious Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus aim to make amends for their recent disappointments in the continental tournament.Despite their World Cup triumph in 2018 and UEFA Nations League victory in 2021, France has failed to lift the European Championship since Didier Deschamps took over as coach in 2012. As runners-up in 2016 and a disappointing exit in the last 16 of Euro 2020, the French are determined to make history in Germany.Mbappe, now a Real Madrid star, is eager to lead his country to glory. "The Euros is the only thing he [Deschamps] is missing as a coach," Mbappe said. "After that, he will have ticked every box."France boasts a formidable squad, with Mbappe as the centerpiece. Antoine Griezmann is expected to reprise his midfield role, while Marcus Thuram and Theo Hernandez will provide attacking threat from the left flank. The return of N'Golo Kante adds experience and stability to the midfield.Despite recent unconvincing performances, Deschamps remains confident in his team's ability to find their best form in Germany. He has made tactical adjustments, including experimenting with Griezmann's position and introducing a more attacking left side.William Saliba, Arsenal's rising star, is poised to establish himself in the central defense. Ousmane Dembele's pace and skill on the right wing pose a constant threat to opponents.France's ambitions are not dampened by their recent struggles. "Our ambitions have not changed," said winger Kingsley Coman. "We'll do everything we can."With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, France has the potential to go all the way in Euro 2024. Their quest for European glory begins on Monday against Austria, as they aim to make a statement and bring a divided country together.

As the countdown to Euro 2024 intensifies, the excitement is palpable. Germany will host the tournament from June 14, and the stage is set for some thrilling football action. Let's delve into the analysis of Groups D to F:Group D:France, the reigning world champions, are the clear favorites to top Group D. Led by the formidable Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, Les Bleus boast an array of world-class talent. However, they will face stiff competition from the Netherlands, who have emerged as a resurgent force under Louis van Gaal. Poland, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line, and Austria, revitalized under Ralf Rangnick, will also be looking to make their mark.Group E:Belgium, the world's top-ranked team, will be the team to beat in Group E. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will be the driving forces behind their campaign. Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania complete the group, with all three nations harboring hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.Group F:Portugal, led by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, will be the favorites to progress from Group F. However, they will face a stern test from Czechia, who have consistently impressed at recent Euros. Turkey, under the guidance of Vincenzo Montella, and Georgia, making their major tournament debut, will be the underdogs in this group.

Euro 2024, the pinnacle of European football, kicks off in Germany on Friday, with the continent's elite teams vying for the coveted Henri Delaunay trophy. The tournament marks Germany's first major men's international tournament since the 2006 World Cup, promising an electrifying atmosphere after the underwhelming Euro 2020.Germany, the host nation, will face Scotland in the opening match in Munich, hoping to replicate their 2006 triumph when they rekindled their national pride. The tournament will be played across 10 stadiums in Germany, from Hamburg to Munich, ensuring a vibrant and immersive experience for fans.Philipp Lahm, the tournament director and former Germany captain, expressed his hope that Euro 2024 will foster unity amidst the current divisions and conflicts in Europe. The tournament comes at a time when far-right parties have gained ground in EU parliament elections, and the continent grapples with the ongoing war in Ukraine.On the field, Germany will be looking to make a strong impression under coach Julian Nagelsmann. With experienced players like Toni Kroos and rising stars like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, they are confident of navigating their group, which also includes Hungary and Switzerland.However, France and England remain the favorites to lift the trophy. France, the top-ranked nation in Europe, boasts a formidable squad led by Kylian Mbappe, who is eager to make amends for his disappointing performance at the last Euros. England, despite never winning the European Championship, are optimistic about their chances, with star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham feeling at home on German soil.Italy, the reigning champions, face a tough challenge in defending their title, but their competitive spirit and underrated squad make them a potential threat. Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the line, are also contenders despite his advancing age.The tournament has been expanded to 24 teams since 2016, providing opportunities for smaller nations like Georgia, who will make their debut this year. However, injuries have taken their toll on some key players, including Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands and Robert Lewandowski of Poland.As the countdown to Euro 2024 reaches its end, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The tournament promises thrilling matches, passionate fans, and the crowning of a new European champion.