LEIPZIG, Germany (AP) 鈥� Kylian Mbapp茅 watched from the substitutes鈥� bench as France and the Netherlands finished 0-0 in a heavyweight European Championship clash on Friday.
Antoine Griezmann missed France's best chances while Xavi Simons had a goal ruled out for the Dutch in the first goalless draw of the tournament.
It leaves both teams on four points in Group D after their second match. It also ensured Poland was the first team eliminated. Poland was earlier Friday and is assured of finishing bottom of the group, even if it beats France in its final group game.
France's buildup was dominated by speculation on whether Mbapp茅 would play after the team captain broke his nose in their opening 1-0 win over Austria.
Mbapp茅 trained wearing a face mask on Thursday and coach Didier Deschamps was optimistic he鈥檇 be available. But Deschamps evidently decided it was to play Mbapp茅 in a game his team had no need to win.
France enjoyed its best period of pressure after the break, when Aur茅lien Tchouam茅ni headed over, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied Griezmann from close range, and Ousmane Demb茅l茅 went close.
Then Xavi fired the ball in at the other end in the 69th on a rebound after Mike Maignan saved Memphis Depay鈥檚 effort. Dutch celebrations were cut short, however, because Denzel Dumfries, who was offside, got in Maignan鈥檚 way for attempting to save Xavi鈥檚 shot.
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AP Euro 2024:
Ciar谩n Fahey, The Associated Press
