Netherlands vs France: Live Build-Up, Team News, and Commentary for Euro 2024

The Netherlands and France will face off in a highly anticipated clash at Euro 2024 in Germany. Follow our live build-up, team news, scores, and commentary as the two European giants go head-to-head.

The atmosphere in Gelsenkirchen is electric as the Netherlands and France prepare for their showdown at Euro 2024. Both teams have been in impressive form in the lead-up to the tournament, and this match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Netherlands vs France: Live Build-Up, Team News, and Commentary for Euro 2024

The Netherlands have named a strong squad for the tournament, including stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay. France, meanwhile, will be without injured forward Karim Benzema, but they still boast a formidable lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba.

The match starts at a frantic pace, with both teams eager to take the initiative. The Netherlands have the early advantage and create several chances, but France's defense holds firm.

In the 25th minute, the deadlock is broken. A stunning free-kick from De Jong finds the top corner of the net, giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead. France responds well and almost equalizes through Olivier Giroud, but his header is saved by Jasper Cillessen.

France comes out of the interval with renewed vigor and pushes the Netherlands back. They are rewarded for their efforts in the 65th minute, when Mbappé scores a brilliant equalizer. The goal is a testament to the Frenchman's incredible talent and ability to create something out of nothing.

The match continues to be evenly contested, with both teams having chances to win. However, neither side can find the decisive goal, and the game ends in a 1-1 draw.

The Netherlands and France will be satisfied with a point, but both will know that they should have done better. The draw opens up the group and leaves everything to play for in the remaining matches.

Speaking after the game, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said: "We played well, but we missed too many chances. We need to be more clinical in front of goal."

France coach Didier Deschamps echoed Van Gaal's comments: "We were not at our best today, but we showed great character to come back from a goal down. We will learn from our mistakes and improve in the next game."

The Netherlands vs France match lived up to the hype and was a thrilling contest between two of the best teams in Europe. The draw leaves both sides with a point to prove in their remaining matches, and the race for qualification to the knockout stages is wide open.