Netherlands and France play out goalless draw in Euro 2024 opener
Memphis Depay misses penalty as Les Bleus hold firm in Leipzig
Substitute Noa Lang has a late chance to win it for the Dutch
Substitute Noa Lang had a glorious chance to win it for the Netherlands deep into stoppage time but he blazed over from close range after good work from Cody Gakpo. Memphis Depay also missed a penalty in the first half as the match finished goalless.It was a frustrating night for the Dutch, who dominated possession and created the better chances but could not find a way past a resolute French defence. France, meanwhile, will be happy with a point considering they were without several key players, including Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.The result leaves both teams level on points at the top of Group D, with France ahead on goal difference. They will both be looking to pick up three points in their next match, when the Netherlands face Germany and France take on Portugal.
The Netherlands started the match brightly and created a number of chances in the opening 10 minutes. Steven Bergwijn had a shot saved by Hugo Lloris, while Frenkie de Jong fired just wide from the edge of the area. France gradually grew into the game and had a good chance of their own when Antoine Griezmann headed over from close range.
The Netherlands were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute when Matthijs de Ligt was brought down by Jules Kounde. Depay stepped up to take the penalty but his effort was saved by Lloris. It was a big moment in the match and it seemed to give France a boost. They began to play with more confidence and created a number of chances of their own. Ousmane Dembele was particularly lively and he had a shot saved by Andries Noppert.
The second half was a more even affair, with both teams having chances to win the game. The best chance fell to Lang in the 89th minute, but he failed to make the most of it. In the end, a draw was probably a fair result. Both teams had their chances, but neither could find a way to break the deadlock.
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