Netherlands France showdown goalless draw EURO 2024

Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons' disallowed goal eliminates Poland from tournament; Netherlands and France draw, remaining level at the top of Group D.

In a thrilling UEFA EURO 2024 Group D match in Leipzig, the Netherlands were left frustrated as a goal by midfielder Xavi Simons was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. The clash with France ended in a draw, with both teams now level at the top of the group with four points each.

The first half saw France's Antoine Griezmann missing two key opportunities in the penalty area, setting the stage for a tense second half. Simons' low strike in the 69th minute seemed to give the Netherlands the lead, only for it to be overturned due to an offside call on teammate Denzel Dumfries.

The referee deemed that Dumfries had obstructed the French goalkeeper's movement, leading to the disallowed goal. Despite the setback, both teams shared the points in Leipzig, with Austria sitting in third place with three points after their victory over Poland earlier in the day.

Speaking of Poland, the national team suffered their second loss in the group and became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. They will play their final match against France on June 25 before heading home.

Looking ahead, the Netherlands will face Austria in their next match as Group D enters its final stage. Before the game in Leipzig, both Dutch and French players paid tribute to former UEFA General Secretary Gerhard Aigner from Germany with a moment of applause.

Overall, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Netherlands feeling hard done by the VAR decision but still holding their own in the group standings. France, on the other hand, will be looking to secure their spot in the knockout stages as the tournament progresses.