France lack firepower without Mbappé, held by Netherlands

France's Euro 2024 campaign hit a stumbling block as they were held to a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands, with the glaring absence of Kylian Mbappé underscoring their lack of attacking firepower. Mbappé, sidelined due to a broken nose sustained in the previous match against Austria, watched from the sidelines as France squandered numerous chances, a scenario that led coach Didier Deschamps to lament their lack of 'efficiency.'

"My only regret is that we didn't have enough efficiency," Deschamps said post-match. "We had several good opportunities but couldn't find the net. Without goals, we can't secure wins."

The decision to sideline Mbappé, despite his training with a protective mask on Thursday, was a cautious move by Deschamps. He emphasized the need to prioritize the player's health over the immediate tactical advantage, indicating that had the stakes been higher, he might have considered deploying the star forward.

"I didn't bluff in my press conference about Mbappé's status. He is better. Every day that passes is a day won. If tonight had been a decisive game, I would have maybe thought about it differently," Deschamps explained. "But it's important for me to think about how he feels. He took a nasty blow, and he's going to have to wear a mask. It may change his vision too, but that is also the risk he will take."

In Mbappé's absence, Antoine Griezmann, who donned the captain's armband, led an attacking trio alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram. Despite their efforts, Griezmann missed France's best chances, admitting post-match to his frustrations.

"I had a couple of opportunities that didn't go my way," Griezmann admitted. "Defensively we were sound, but the goals just weren't there. We need to stay calm; the goals will come."

Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni tried to step up in the absence of Mbappé, coming close to scoring with a well-directed header that narrowly missed the mark. His performance highlighted his potential, but also the gap left by Mbappé's sidelining.

"We faltered in the final moments, be it the final pass or shot," Tchouaméni said. "We need to improve to win these matches. We created chances, so victory was within reach. Now we need to focus on rectifying our mistakes. The top priority is qualification and winning the group."

The draw leaves both France and the Netherlands on four points after two matches. Poland's earlier 3-1 defeat to Austria confirmed their elimination, regardless of the result in their final group game against France. This situation eases some pressure off France, but the match against Poland will be crucial for securing group supremacy.

Without Mbappé, France's attack lacked the usual dynamism and penetration. Mbappé's pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability were sorely missed, as evidenced by the numerous missed opportunities. The reliance on Griezmann and the rest of the attacking unit, while formidable, couldn't compensate for Mbappé's unique talents.

This match also raised questions about France's depth and tactical flexibility. While they have a wealth of talent, the over-reliance on Mbappé was apparent. The need for other players to step up and deliver in critical moments became evident, with the likes of Dembélé and Thuram needing to find the consistency and ruthlessness that Mbappé regularly provides.

The defensive solidity shown by France, however, was a positive takeaway. Their backline and midfield demonstrated resilience and discipline, keeping the Dutch attack at bay. This defensive stability will be crucial as they advance in the tournament, especially once Mbappé returns to bolster their attacking options.

As France looks ahead, the focus will be on ensuring Mbappé's full recovery and reintegrating him into the squad without rushing. Deschamps' management of this situation will be critical in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. The draw against the Netherlands serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead, but also of the potential within the squad to overcome them. France remains a formidable contender, but unlocking their full potential will require both tactical ingenuity and the full fitness of their star player.