France’s duo of Griezmann and Upamecano were other scorers at Stade de France
France dominated the Netherlands 4-0 on Friday to get their UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign off to a flying start.
France’s new captain scored two goals, including a late strike against the Dutch national team, to help France win a Group B match at Saint-Denis’ Stade de France.
Les Bleus finished the job ahead of schedule. French forward Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring in the second minute with a left-footed strike, and teammate Dayot Upamecano doubled the lead six minutes later after goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made a mistake.
Mbappe ran inside the penalty area and finished in the penalty box after a killer through ball by Aurelien Tchouameni in minute 21. After French forward Randal Kolo Muani skipped over, the Dutch defense crumbled. Mbappe beat Cillessen one-on-one because he was unmarked.
France led 3-0 at the halftime break.
The crowd at Stade de France erupted once more in the 88th minute when Mbappe scored on a solo effort to seal the match.
The Netherlands’ experienced forward Memphis Depay missed a penalty near the end of the game, giving the Dutch a frustrating result.
Mbappe got off to a flying start as captain, scoring twice and assisting Griezmann.
On Monday, France will pay a visit to Ireland in Dublin, while the Netherlands will host Gibraltar in Rotterdam.
Friday’s results:
Group B
France – the Netherlands: 4-0
Gibraltar – Greece: 0-3
Group E
Czech Republic – Poland: 3-1
Moldova – Faroe Islands: 1-1
Group F
Sweden – Belgium: 0-3
Austria – Azerbaijan: 4-1
Group G
Bulgaria – Montenegro: 0-1
Serbia – Lithuania: 2-0
Saturday’s fixtures:
Group A
Scotland vs. Greek Cypriot administration
Spain vs. Norway
Group D
Armenia vs. Türkiye
Croatia vs. Wales
Group I
Belarus vs. Switzerland
Israel vs. Kosovo
Andorra vs. Romania
