Xavi Simons had a second-half goal controversially disallowed as the Netherlands and France played to the first goalless draw of Euro 2024.
France started without Kylian Mbappe, who broke his nose in Monday’s win against Austria. His absence was felt as they failed to capitalize on several chances.
However, the Netherlands will feel the most aggrieved, as Simons’ strike was ruled out. The 21-year-old’s long-range shot was disallowed by referee Anthony Taylor and his on-field officials due to an apparent obstruction of the goalkeeper by Denzel Dumfries, who was in an offside position.
This decision prompted a lengthy review by the video assistant referee, who ultimately upheld the original call.
It was a tough break for the Dutch, who could have been two or three goals down earlier if Antoine Griezmann hadn’t missed several key opportunities. Griezmann missed a close-range shot in the first half, set up by Adrien Rabiot, who might have taken the shot himself. Griezmann then missed another good chance and later directed a weak effort at Bart Verbruggen after excellent play by N’Golo Kante.
Wout Weghorst, who had scored a late winner against Poland in the Netherlands’ first game, was brought on in the closing stages but couldn’t find the net this time.
The result leaves both sides with four points in Group D, while Poland is eliminated.
Dutch denied after long VAR check
Both teams are expected to progress to the knockout stage despite not securing three points on Friday night, but the result will still leave a bitter taste for the Dutch.
Many spectators felt the Dutch had a valid goal disallowed when Simons struck a fine drive from just outside the box into the net.
The goal was disallowed almost immediately, and VAR conducted the longest check of the tournament so far.
In the end, it was decided that Dumfries, standing next to Mike Maignan, had impeded the French goalkeeper while in an offside position, much to the Dutch fans’ frustration.
This wasn’t their only source of annoyance, as Memphis Depay once again struggled to make an impact in attack.
With Weghorst starting on the bench again, Dutch supporters chanted his name in the second half. Although he was brought on with 11 minutes remaining, it wasn’t enough time for him to make an impact on this occasion.