Kylian Mbappe scores twice as France beat the Netherlands to seal qualification – Euro 2024 round-up
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a superb goal from just outside the box, as France beat the Netherlands 2-0 in Amsterdam to secure qualification for Euro 2024.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a superb goal from just outside the box, as France beat the Netherlands 2-0 in Amsterdam to secure qualification for Euro 2024.
After giving the Blues the lead in the seventh minute, Mbappe added a breathtaking second eight minutes into the second half, exchanging passes with Adrien Rabiot and sending a curling shot past Bart Verbruggen and into the top corner .
Quilindschy Hartman reduced the gap seven minutes from regulation time.
This result extends France’s perfect record in Group B to a sixth victory, allowing it to confirm its place for next summer’s finals in Germany, with two days remaining.
Their opponents moved from second to third place, replaced by Greece – who won 2-0 against the Republic of Ireland at Dublin.
Greece’s Giorgos Masouras (second left) celebrates scoring at the Aviva Stadium
Georgios Giakoumakis and Georgios Masouras scored in the first half as Ireland’s chances of automatic qualification officially ended.
Greece are now three points ahead of the Netherlands, who have a game in hand.
In group F, Belgium sealed their qualification for the final with a 3-2 away win over runners-up Austria.
The visitors looked in fine form after Dodi Lukebakio’s double and an effort from Romelu Lukaku put them three ahead before the hour mark.
Things then became less comfortable when Konrad Laimer scored a goal in the 72nd minute, Belgium were reduced to 10 men by a red card for Amadou Onana six minutes later and Marcel Sabitzer scored a penalty in the 84th minute – but Domenico Tedesco’s team managed to see victory.
In the meantime, Azerbaijan recorded their first victory in the group by beating Estonia 2-0 in Tallinn.
Portugal also accomplished qualifying work via a 3-2 victory by defeating Slovakia in Porto, with a double from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Goncalo Ramos and a Ronaldo penalty put the hosts two goals ahead at half-time, and after David Hancko’s response, Ronaldo made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute with his 125th international goal.
Stanislav Lobotka scored a second for Slovakia, second behind Portugal in Group J.
The other group matches on Friday saw Iceland And Luxembourg 1-1 draw in Reykjavik and Bosnia Herzegovina win 2-0 at Liechtenstein.