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France were ruthless against the strongest rivals in their Euro 2024 qualifying group as they quickly banished the ghosts of their World Cup disappointment and kicked-start their charge towards a new conquest.
France dominated in all phases of play, and on the back of an early goal, they did not need to shift gears to defeat a lacklustre and heavily depleted Dutch side 4-0.
Les Bleus returned to action for the first time since the World Cup final defeat to Argentina, and in a show of devastating offensive quality, they plastered the Netherlands with goals at the Stade de France.
Antoine Griezmann grabbed the opener in only the second minute of the game before Dayot Upamecano doubled the advantage in the 8th minute.
Kylian Mbappe piled on l'Orange woes in the 21st minute when he made it three before the half-hour mark before grabbing his brace in the 88th minute.
Memphis Depay had the chance for a consolatory goal from the penalty spot in the 94th minute, but the Atletico Madrid man played right into the hands of Mike Maignan.
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22:03 - 23.03.2023
France captain Kylian Mbappe shrugs off claims that he is a 'selfish' player
PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe has responded to claims that he is 'self-centered' in his first press conference as France captain.
How it happened
On the back of a wave of reports and speculations suggesting a fracture in their relationship following Didier Deschamps's decision to make Kylian Mbappe captain ahead of Antoine Griezmann, the duo quickly dispelled all worries about what the fallout could mean for their on-field chemistry, combining for Les Bleues first in the opening two minutes.
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23:21 - 21.03.2023
REPORT Antoine Griezmann’s international future in doubt after captaincy snub
World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann could be set to quit the France national team after being over for captaincy honours
The Dutch were rocked by the early goal, and with their defence in sixes and sevens, they went further behind not too long after; this time it was defender Dayot Upamecano doling out the punishment.
When it rains, it pours, and it poured alright; it was three before the half-hour mark, with Kylian Mbappe scoring his first of the game, getting on the end of a sumptuous ball by Aurelien Tchouameni to announce his captaincy with a goal.
Moussa Diaby thought he made it four, but the VAR ruled it out for offside. A little after, Mbappe made the scoreline even worse, teasing the Dutch backline before firing past the helpless Jasper Cillessen.
Upamecano handed the Netherlands a chance for a consolation game when he handled the ball in the box, but the resultant penalty attempt was a snapshot of the whole game, with Depay's poor take comfortably saved by Mike Maignan.
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That was all there was time for, as France comfortably won their first game under Mbappe's captaincy and immediately assumed the driving seat in Group B.
Koeman suffers embarrassing loss in first game back
As we reported in detail here, Ronald Koeman was set to return to the Netherlands dugout after he was announced as the replacement for Louis Van Gaal, who left the role after l'Orange's quarter-final exit to Argentina in Qatar 2022.
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19:54 - 23.01.2023
OFFICIAL Ronald Koeman returns as Netherlands manager
Ronald Koeman takes over as the new head coach of the Netherlands men's national team.
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08:13 - 24.03.2023
Liverpool star out of France clash after viral outbreak
Five players left the Netherlands camp yesterday after suffering from a viral infection.
His first game back was met with unfortunate circumstances, as he was without key players Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn due to injury before a viral outbreak further handicapped them by five more players.
They have now begun their qualifying campaign on the worst possible note, with a devastating defeat at the hands of their strongest rivals in the group.
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