Match Rewind-France vs Netherlands

steemsports (80)in #steemsports • 7 years ago (edited)

France vs Netherlands – World Cup Qualifier

SteemSports Presenter: @rajat97

SteemSports Editor/Writer: @shrey

Two of Europe’s heavyweights clashed in a World Cup qualifier taking place at the Stade de France. This was the same stadium where the French were beaten by Portugal last year to pip them for the Euro-2016 but Didier Deschamps side had other motives against the Dutch.

The match ended with a smashing score line of 4 goals to nil in favour of the home team, France. As a result of this match, France are now top of their group which will allow them direct passage into the World Cup group stages due to be held next year.

Meanwhile, the disappointing defeat endured by the Netherlands means that they are now in fourth place. With Sweden and Bulgaria ahead of them respectively, it seems that the World Cup in Russia would have to be played without the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie by the looks of it.

First Half:As It Happened

Even though the squad at the disposal of the French gaffer is star studded to say the least, the Dutch managed to keep them at bay for the first half of the match. Antoinne Griezmann opened the scoring at the 14 th minute as he nutmegged the opposition keeper to slot one home through.

A quick one-two enabled the Arsenal striker, Olivier Giroud an assist while a show of skills from the French attackers had the Netherlands defence on their toes every minute of the first 45 minutes.

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Second Half

But the flood gates opened when Netherlands midfielder was shown his second yellow card within six minutes of receiving his first one. Soon after the Netherlands were a man down, France were not going to be stopped with the oozing class and talent they have up front.

Thomas Lemar scored the first of his two goals in the 73 rd minute with a superb volley to give the keeper no chance of saving the ball. The AS Monaco winger then doubled his tally in the 88 th minute scoring an easy tap-in. The final nail in the coffin was put in by the 18 year old hot shot, Kylian Mbappe, who recently moved to Paris St. Germain as he thunderously guided the ball into the net and virtually send France into the group stages of the World Cup.