France ratings vs the Netherlands: Never write off Kylian Mbappe! Superstar shakes off poor PSG form to secure Euro 2024 qualification with stunning goals
Kylian Mbappe France 2023
After four games without a goal at club level, the forward fired in twice as Les Bleus booked their place in next summer's tournament
Kylian Mbappe fired France into Euro 2024 as he scored both goals in their 2-1 win against Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday. The striker fought off Lutsharel Geertruida to nip in and open the scoring early in the first half and then wowed the crowd with a beautiful curling effort to double their advantage eight minutes into the second half.
It was enough to see off their injury-plagued hosts, who managed to pull a goal back through Quilindschy Hartman, but did not look like overpowering the visitors.
France coach Didier Deschamps will be delighted with the performances of Aurelien Tchouameni and Antoine Griezmann, too, as the midfield pair were key to his side's dominance and ability to keep threatening the Dutch defence. He will, however, be somewhat concerned about Randal Kolo Muani's ineffective display up front. The Paris Saint-Germain forward looked woeful on the ball and was rarely a threat to the Dutch.
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GOAL rates France's players from Johan Cruijff Arena...
Mike Maignan France 2023
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Mike Maignan (6/10):
Had a shaky moment as one shot slipped out of his hands but pulled off a few good saves.
Jonathan Clauss (7/10):
Did a good job overlapping Coman on the right side and sent a dangerous cross in for Mbappe to knock in the opener.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10):
Did well to cut out some Netherlands attacks and help his side keep a clean sheet.
Lucas Hernandez (7/10):
Covered for his brother's issues well and was the perfect partner beside Konate.
Theo Hernandez (5/10):
Had a difficult task up against Reinders and was a bit off the pace, leaving too much space behind him.
Adrien Rabiot France Marten de Roon Netherlands 2023
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Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
Dug in with solid tackles and was quality in possession as he was the one setting the tempo for France.
Antoine Griezmann (8/10):
Did not get on the ball as much but was effective when it came his way. Involved in the build-up for the first goal and pulled off some quality passes.
Adrien Rabiot (5/10):
Had a week display defensively but was comfortable on the ball.
Kylian Mbappe France Lutsharel Geertruida Netherlands 2023
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Attack
Kingsley Coman (7/10):
Wiry on the wing and made it tough for Hartman and Ake down Netherlands' left side.
Randal Kolo Muani (4/10):
Had a tough time finding space and was not good enough in possession.
Kylian Mbappe (9/10):
Good positioning to get ahead of Geertruida to knock in the first goal and curled in a beauty for the second.
Didier Deschamps France 2023
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Subs & Manager
Olivier Giroud (6/10):
Looked up for the fight but did not get many chances to impact the game.
Malo Gusto (5/10):
Left in Hartman's dust for Netherlands' goal.
Marcus Thuram (5/10):
Got humiliated with a nutmeg in the build up to Hartman's strike.
Youssouf Fofana (N/A):
Brought on as late Griezmann replacement.
Didier Deschamps (8/10):
Got his selection and tactics correct as his side took an early lead and made it difficult for Netherlands to settle and prevent them from ensuring qualification.