Sluggish France punished for profligacy by Poland and finish second in Group D
James Ducker's Assessment: France's Loss, England's Gain
Statistic That Defines France's Issue
France has generated scoring opportunities equivalent to 4.6 expected goals during the #EURO2024 tournament, which ranks them as the fourth-best team in terms of creating chances.
However, none of their team members have been able to score a goal so far.
Will they finally score in the second half of #FRAPOL? pic.twitter.com/4FPp2jiGeT
Austria Defeats Netherlands 3-2
So, this is the final outcome for Group D...
France And Poland Tie 1-1
That final play of the game will be remembered by many as a disappointing moment for the French team. They were considered top contenders going into the tournament, but based on their performance in the group stage, it's hard to argue that now. Today's game mirrored their struggles in the group stage - they played well until the last attacking third, but then they lacked the ability to finish. Something was missing for Mbappe and his teammates...
Hats off to Poland, they definitely deserved the tie.
France And Poland Draw 1-1
Mbappe is taken down by a defender in the penalty area. The captain of France is convinced it should be a penalty, but Deschamps is furious. However, the referee and VAR disagree. Upon watching the replay, it is clear that Dawidowicz made a reckless challenge on Mbappe. Despite this, the team does not receive a third penalty.
France And Poland Tie 1-1 In 93 Minutes
Hernandez is overwhelmed on the left side while attacking. France has a free-kick, but unfortunately, no one is able to connect with the ball. This has been a recurring issue for them throughout the match, whether from open play or set pieces.
France And Poland Tie 1-1 In 92 Minutes
Mbappe is in possession of the ball near the top of the penalty area on the left side. He moves towards the center and takes a shot, which hits off a defender and ends up in the hands of Skorupski, who makes a solid save.
France 1 Poland 1: 90 Minute Draw
France is taking their 11th corner, but unfortunately they have yet to make anything happen from these opportunities. Their performance on set pieces has been lacking today.
France And Poland Tie 1-1 In 89 Minutes
There are five extra minutes left to play in the game, which is plenty of time for a goal to be scored or conceded.
France And Poland Draw 1-1
Mbappe has just removed his mask after being struck on the nose (breaking it) by Lewandowski...that had to hurt.
Poland get a free-kick in France's territory, but the French team quickly stop the threat. Now, they only have a little over three minutes left to score a goal and secure the top spot in the group.
85 Minutes: France And Poland Tie 1-1
In France's corner, for the eighth, maybe ninth, time today they have not been able to capitalize on the opportunity...
The ball ends up back in the box, leading to another corner kick for them.
Once again, nothing meets expectations in terms of poor delivery, etc.
France And Poland Tie 1-1
Lewandowski is towards the end of his career and has a weak thigh, but he has suddenly improved in the last 10 minutes. His teammates are gaining confidence from his performance and now believe they can win. Earlier, I had doubted France's ability to lose this, but now I see things differently.
Lewandowski quickly indicated that Maignan had left the line too soon. The referee agreed and called for a redo. Maignan's second attempt to intimidate Lewandowski failed. This situation is becoming more intriguing. Fofana has now entered the game for France.
France And Poland Tied 1-1 After 73 Minutes
Poland has taken over the game. After Mbappe's goal, France has slowed down and allowed Poland to dominate. They didn't hesitate and Lewandowski almost scored with a left-footed shot that went just wide.
The French are feeling a lot of pressure at the moment as they have lost their groove.
The match between France and Poland ended in a 1-1 draw.
This time, Lewandowski scores without error, aiming for the same spot and sending the ball into the far left corner of the net...the game is now tied...
Penalty Saved, But Wait!
If Lewandowski had scored, he would have become the third player to score at four Euro tournaments. However, Maignan made a save to his right!
WAIT A MINUTE - the pole claims the goalkeeper moved too soon AND VAR CONFIRMS!
It will be revisited...
Poland may face a penalty as Swiderski is brought down by Upamecano. However, the referee allows play to continue, and France quickly counterattack. Mbappe has a clear chance but his shot is saved by Skorupski.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) then becomes noticeable and a decision is made after the referee reviews the monitor.
France Defeats Poland 1-0 In 73 Mins
France seems dangerous until they reach the penalty area, if that's clear...they have speed on the wings but once they are in the box, they struggle to finish their chances.
France Defeats Poland 1-0
If there is a worry, it involves a popular Polish soccer player whose name starts with L and ends in i (Lewandowski...). He gets the ball from a far distance and takes a shot that narrowly misses the target. This is another hint for the French team who might benefit from scoring another goal to calm their nerves.
France Defeats Poland 1-0 In 69 Minutes
France has speed on both sides and they have consistently been able to pass the Polish defense. It is surprising that they still haven't scored a goal from regular play. Hernandez, playing on the left side, once again reaches the end line and passes the ball back into the box. However, none of the French players were able to get to the ball this time either.
France Beats Poland 1-0 In 68 Minutes
France has been dominating the first half of the game. Even though they may not score again, there is still concern about their attacking strategy. It is unlikely that they will lose from this point onwards, so they are guaranteed to finish in the top two positions.
France Beats Poland 1-0 In 65 Minutes
Griezmann attempted a long-range shot while Mbappe was searching for the ball, but it was weak and deflected wide. He then apologized to his captain. However, France appears much more effective when Griezmann is positioned in the space behind the strikers.
France Defeats Poland 1-0 In 61 Minutes
France made a triple substitution with Camavinga, Giroud, and Griezmann entering the field, while Kante, Barcola, and Rabiot were replaced.
Excited welcome for Olivier Giroud as he joins the game as part of a triple substitution for France. The fans are showing him a lot of love as he is the all-time leading scorer for France with 57 goals.
France Beats Poland 1-0 In 59 Minutes
Austria is in the lead once more against the Netherlands, you can stay updated on the latest developments here.
The soccer match ended with a score of 1-0, with France emerging as the victorious team over Poland.
Mbappe is the star of the show, exuding confidence as he confidently shoots to the right, leaving the skilled goalkeeper Skorupski guessing in the opposite direction. The mysterious player removes his mask and the entire French team erupts in celebration - a moment of relief that is palpable to all.
Dembele is extremely attacking on the right side (exactly what France needed) after being set up nicely by the midfield. He surges towards the goal, but Kiwior makes a mistake by diving in and fouling the French player.
Obvious foul and no disputing from the Polish players.
France And Poland Tie 0-0 After 53 Minutes
Despite their difficulties scoring, the French can take comfort in the fact that Poland has not been performing well since the break.
France And Poland Play To A 0-0 Draw
If things keep going like this, Deschamps might decide to make a substitution sooner rather than later. The issue seems to be mainly in the attack, as the midfield is working hard and the defense has not let any goals in yet. Maybe it's time to bring in Griezmann or Giroud, or even both.
48 Minutes: France 0 Poland 0
France is once again close to scoring, with Mbappe taking a shot towards the far corner. However, Skorupski saves the ball once more, playing exceptionally well and stopping the French team all by himself.
48 Minutes: France 0 Poland 0
France's seventh attempt to score has not been successful yet. Poland managed to prevent any real threat from the French team once again.
France And Poland Tied 0-0 In 47 Minutes
There has been a tie in Berlin - you can keep up with the game right here.
France And Poland Tie After 45 Minutes
The game has resumed in Dortmund. Will France be able to step up their performance and score a goal? Let's see what happens next.
France Struggles With Finishing Opportunities
France increased their intensity in the last 10 minutes of the first half, putting pressure on Poland and forcing their goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski to make some crucial saves. It seems unlikely that Poland will be able to continue defending against France in the second half, but France will need to be more clinical in finishing their chances. Although Kylian Mbappe has created some opportunities, it has been 225 minutes since a French player has scored a goal in this tournament. The only goal they have scored so far was an own goal by Max Wober in the match against Austria.
Score Update: France 0 Poland 0
France has not performed at their best in this tournament so far (and have not scored a goal yet, as the winner against Austria was an own goal...). In the first 35 minutes, they seemed a bit inconsistent. However, the favorites stepped up their game in the last 10 minutes. Despite the criticism directed at the French team, it is noteworthy that Poland's standout player was their new goalkeeper, Skorupski.
If France scores one goal, you can feel that they will likely score a few more.
France And Poland End In A Goalless Draw
Another opportunity for France, who have increased their intensity in the last 10 minutes. A clever backheel sets Mbappe free on the edge of the box. The team captain aims a side-footed shot towards the corner, but Skorupski quickly comes off his line to make another impressive save. He has had a solid first half.
France And Poland Tied At 0-0
The French defenders are moving forward on the field more now and that's leading to chances, this time Hernandez reaches the edge of the field but once again no one is there to get to the ball.
41 Minutes: France And Poland Tied At 0-0
Mbappe is starting to shine more now, France are once again in the Poland penalty area and, as usual, he accelerates before stealing the ball from a teammate and gently shooting just wide of the right goal post. France has been playing better in these recent minutes.
France And Poland Tied 0-0 In 39 Mins
France and Mbappe are moving the ball nicely, but they are struggling to create clear opportunities in the attacking third. Mbappe takes control of the situation near the goal, exchanges a quick pass with a teammate, but ultimately falls to the ground. The appeal for a penalty is not very strong and the referee makes the right decision to let the game continue.
37 Minutes: France And Poland Tied At 0-0
Improved play from Dembele and Kante from France as they smoothly work together on the right side, ultimately assisting Tchouameni whose attempt from outside the penalty area is redirected out of play for a corner kick.
Saliba takes a shot from the resulting free kick but it goes just over the crossbar.
France Vs. Poland Ends In 0-0 Draw In 35 Mins
The French team is currently struggling to find their rhythm. But there's no need to worry, as there is still plenty of time left and they are aware that a draw will secure their spot in the top two.
France Is Aware Of The Struggle Ahead
France And Poland Draw 0-0 In 32 Minutes
Poland is feeling more sure of themselves as a team. Lewandowski is constantly providing them with opportunities whenever they have possession. They are moving the ball effectively and showing promising signs of their strength on the field.
Just when I mentioned it, a fantastic cross from the left came out of nowhere and Lewandowski almost scored with a header. Did I not mention something about being cautious?
France And Poland Draw 0-0 In 29 Minutes
France is still struggling to find their groove, with their performance being inconsistent. This pattern has been evident throughout the entire tournament for them.
Moder, the man from Brighton, almost sees Lewandowski waiting on the outskirts of the France penalty area. It's evident that this is the strategy Poland is aiming to execute every chance they get.
While taking a break for drinks, Mbappe took off his mask and cleaned it with a white towel before putting it back on when the game continued. It's a very hot day in Dortmund, so wearing the mask must be uncomfortable. One of Deschamps' team members quickly approached Mbappe during the break to see how the mask was feeling. Another person put a cold towel around his neck. Deschamps also took the chance to talk to his team captain.
Zalewski Walking On A Tightrope
Nicola Zalewski needs to be cautious after receiving a yellow card for fouling Mbappe and preventing a potential breakaway by France. Dembele has been outperforming the Poland left wing back and Zalewski is in danger of being sent off if he mistimes another challenge.
France And Poland Draw 0-0 After 24 Minutes
Opportunity for France in the corner, but they are unable to take advantage. The ball is delivered from the left side and Skorupski confidently catches it. He is having a strong performance so far.
Right before that, Mbappe was running towards the goal and was intentionally stopped by Nicola Zalewski, who received a yellow card for his actions. Up to now, there is no indication that the France captain is being impacted by his broken nose.
France And Poland Draw 0-0
Zalewski is making strong moves on the left side for Poland and sends a great pass that narrowly misses Lewandowski's head. This is a clear indication for France that the Polish team is serious and determined to win. With Lewandowski on their side, Poland has a player who can capitalize on any mistakes.
France And Poland Tie 0-0 After 21 Minutes
France have shown strong ability on the counterattack, twice in the last eight minutes they have swiftly and decisively countered their opponents.
Masked Man - A Mysterious Figure
France Vs Poland Ends In Goalless Draw
Zalewski loses the ball in the middle, and Kante quickly steals it and moves into the Poland half. He sees an opportunity and passes to Dembele, who shoots from close range. Skorupski makes a great save, his second of the game, which boosts his confidence early on.
France And Poland Tied 0-0 In 18 Minutes
Poland has been controlling possession and playing confidently, slowly building up their attacks.
France And Poland Tied At 0-0 After 15 Minutes
Poland's initial attempt to score was from a corner kick, with Urbanski taking a quick shot that was stopped by Maignan.
France And Poland Tied 0-0
Beautiful play by France as Mbappe leads the way. Kante starts a run from his own half towards Poland's goal. He passes the ball back and forth with Mbappe, who then passes it to his teammate. Unfortunately, Kante's touch is not perfect and the opportunity to score goes to waste.
France And Poland Tied 0-0 In 10 Minutes
The initial opportunity in the game goes to France. They move forward on the right side and have multiple players near the goal. Dembele sends a pass along the ground that narrowly misses Barcola but reaches Hernandez at the far post. He takes a quick left-footed shot, but Skorupski makes a great save with his feet.
8 Mins: France Vs Poland 0-0
Update from the other Group D match: Austria is leading 1-0 against the Netherlands. You can keep track of the game with our friend Dan Zeqiri here.
France And Poland Tie 0-0 In 6-minute Match
Poland finally gets the ball, but the French defense, which is highly structured and alert, quickly shuts down any potential threat.
The game has not yet started to pick up momentum.
France And Poland Tie 0-0 In 3 Minutes
All the action has been happening in Poland's territory so far, but there haven't been any scoring opportunities yet. However, the favorites have started off strong and show confidence.
While I was writing, Barcola, who has been playing well so far, uses his speed on the left side to reach the goal line and make a cross. He earns a corner kick, but the initial delivery is not very good. Luckily, France gets another chance because the referee was not ready the first time. The second attempt is much improved, with the ball curving towards the back post. Unfortunately, no one was in position to go for the attack.
Quick Update: France 0 Poland 0
France started off with control of the ball, and Mbappe quickly got possession. He then advanced a few yards before making a backheel pass. However, the play didn't lead to anything significant in the end.
France And Poland Tied At 0-0
The match has started in Dortmund, a well-known football stadium. France is wearing their classic blue kit while Poland is in their traditional red. I always love to see a combination of blue and red on the field.
Dortmund was like a small version of Istanbul during Turkey's matches, but today the mood in the Ruhr is more calm. The excitement is starting to build in the stadium as France gets ready to play against Poland, though it's not as intense as when Turkey played against Georgia or Portugal. It may not help that Poland is already out of the tournament, but France still has a lot at stake. They are guaranteed to finish third no matter what, but Coach Didier Deschamps and his team are aiming for the top spot to avoid being placed in the tough half of the knockout stage draw with Germany, Spain, and Portugal.
The national song of Poland was the first to be sung energetically, but in all honesty, it's not one of my favorites. It wasn't very operatic or truly inspiring. Next, France's anthem, La Marseillaise, is belted out. It's considered one of the best national anthems, and this time the French fans sang it with full passion. Based on the singing, France has the early advantage.
Teams In The Tunnel
The game is about to start soon. Alan Shearer believes that this is the match where France will start to show their strength. Let's see if he is right.
Let's Talk About Fans..
This is our ranking of the secondary actors in Germany...do you concur?
Euro 2024 supporters: Evaluating all 24 groups of fans in Germany from lowest to highest quality.
BBC 1 Is Airing This Match
Before delving into the French and Polish topic, Gary Lineker and his colleagues are discussing the ongoing controversy surrounding Harry Kane. They are referring to it as a "spat," though the discussion remains civil and devoid of explicit language. Kane's response to the criticism is shared, with Shearer acknowledging the lackluster performance in the attack, a point that is difficult to argue against.
Defenders Have No Break Until Last Whistle
Mbappe Warms Up Without Mask
"France Gets A Boost From Mbappe"
In the game against the Netherlands, France had opportunities to score. However, they struggled with finishing in the opponent's box. Griezmann, who was not in the starting lineup, missed some important chances. With their key attacking player back in the lineup, France will surely feel more confident going forward. This gives us an idea of how the French team might play in their next match, not being too cautious and aiming for a win instead of settling for a draw.
Deschamps noted on Monday that he has seen improvements in his condition compared to the previous days. This is likely due to his consistent training. The swelling has decreased and he is adjusting well to wearing a mask. He remains just as excited to play tomorrow as he was before the match against the Netherlands.
"He doesn't feel constrained by the mask, but it does slightly impede his vision. He just needs to adjust to it, even though modern technology has made masks thinner than ever before."
Mbappe Starts For France Squad
France's starting lineup against Poland will consist of Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot, Dembele, Barcola, and Mbappe. On the bench, there will be players like Areola, Thuram, Camavinga, Clauss, Coman, Fofana, Giroud, Kolo Muani, Konate, Mendy, Pavard, Samba, Zaire-Emery, and Griezmann.
A major update is that Kylian Mbappe, the captain of France, is back in the starting lineup after missing the last game against the Netherlands due to a broken nose. This is a significant advantage for the French team, as they appeared to struggle in their offensive play against the Dutch. Antoine Griezmann will be on the bench for this game as Bradley Barcola takes his place in the starting lineup.
Polish starting lineup against France: Skorupski, Kiwior, Dawidowicz, Bednarek, Zalewski, Moder, Zielinski, Frankowski, S. Szymanski, Lewandowski, Urbanski; Substitute players: Bereszynski, Bulka, Grosicki, Piątek, Piotrowski, Puchacz, Romanczuk, Salamon, Skoras, Szymanski, Walukiewicz, Swiderski, Buksa, Slisz.
Exciting news for Poland and fans of skilled strikers from the 2000s: Robert Lewandowski will be starting in the next game. The legendary player only came on in the last game against Austria after missing the first game against the Netherlands due to injury.
Taking A Chance On The Game?
Predict The Future With Your Crystal Ball
...tap into your inner fortune teller and forecast what you believe the final score will be.
Kylian Mbappe Is Eager To Start
In the upcoming game, there are mixed emotions and different outcomes possible. France can secure a spot in the top two by not losing, so they are not feeling too nervous, but more calm (as much as you can be in this situation...). On the other hand, Poland has no chance of moving forward as they have already been knocked out. Will they play without fear, be aggressive against the French, and try to ruin their chances of advancing?
This is the main dilemma facing the French team in the upcoming Group D match. They must decide whether to play defensively and give Poland the opportunity to attack, or to play aggressively in search of a win and risk leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks from Poland.
A key factor that could benefit the French team, no matter how they decide to play, is having Kylian Mbappe back in the lineup. He suffered a broken nose during their first match against Austria on Monday, but he has been recovering well and there is a chance he could play in today's game.
Didier Deschamps, on the other hand, was staying silent on whether Mbappe will play before the elimination rounds.
"It's improving day by day," the manager stated during his press conference before the match on Monday. "He is eager to play tomorrow and fully prepared. He was eager to play against the Netherlands and is looking forward to playing tomorrow."
The mask doesn't feel tight, but it does slightly restrict your ability to see. Advances in technology have made it possible for us to create masks that are very thin. It may take some time to get used to wearing it.
France is seen as the top pick to win against a Polish team that has previously lost to the Netherlands and Austria. However, Deschamps isn't assuming an easy victory and is staying cautious.
"We'll have to wait and see if they keep the same players, but I'm confident that the Polish team will be highly motivated and pose a significant threat during set-piece situations," he cautioned.
Come back here for updates on the team lineup, pre-game excitement, and live updates during the match, which is scheduled to start at 5pm.
