France had to settle for second place in Euro 2024 Group D after a 1-1 draw with already-eliminated Poland in Dortmund. Kylian Mbappe, returning from injury, scored his first goal of the tournament, but it wasn’t enough for Les Bleus to top the group.
Mbappe, wearing a mask to protect his broken nose, converted a penalty in the 56th minute after Jakub Kiwior fouled Ousmane Dembele. However, Poland equalized in the 79th minute when Robert Lewandowski scored from the spot. VAR had deemed Dayot Upamecano’s challenge on Karol Swiderski a foul. Although France goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved Lewandowski’s initial effort, the penalty was retaken due to Maignan stepping off his line, and Lewandowski scored on his second attempt.
Despite the draw, Austria won the group with a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, who progressed in third place. France will face the runners-up of Group E, which could be Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, or Ukraine.
France, pre-tournament favorites, have reached the last 16 without scoring a goal from open play. Coach Didier Deschamps needs to address the team’s lack of fluency in attack before facing the next opponent.
Lukasz Skorupski, Poland’s goalkeeper, made several crucial saves, earning him the Player of the Match. The Bologna goalkeeper filled in for Wojciech Szczesny and made several key saves to help Poland earn a point and give their fans a memorable day.
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