France thrashed the Netherlands 4-0 on Friday to get their UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign off to a flying start.
France’s new captain scored two goals, including a late strike against the Netherlands national team, to help France win a Group B match at Saint-Denis’ Stadium de France.
Les Bleus finished the job ahead of schedule. French winger Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring in the second minute with a left-footed strike, and teammate Dayot Upamecano increased the lead six minutes later when goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made a mistake.
Mbappe got inside the penalty area and finished in the penalty box following a deadly through pass by Aurelien Tchouameni in minute 21. Once French forward Randal Kolo Muani skipped over, the Dutch defense crumbled. Mbappe beat Cillessen one-on-one because he was unmarked.
France led 3-0 at the halftime break.
The crowd at Stade de France erupted once more in the 88th minute when Mbappe scored on a solo effort to seal the contest.
The Netherlands’ seasoned attacker Memphis Depay missed a penalty near the end of the game, giving the Dutch a disheartening loss.
Mbappe had a perfect start to his captaincy after scoring twice and an assist to Griezmann.
France will visit Ireland in Dublin on Monday, while the Netherlands will host Gibraltar in Rotterdam.
Friday’s results:
Group B
France – the Netherlands: 4-0
Gibraltar – Greece: 0-3
Group E
Czech Republic – Poland: 3-1
Moldova – Faroe Islands: 1-1
Group F
Sweden – Belgium: 0-3
Austria – Azerbaijan: 4-1
Group G
Bulgaria – Montenegro: 0-1
Serbia – Lithuania: 2-0
Saturday’s fixtures:
Group A
Scotland vs. Greek Cypriot administration
Spain vs. Norway
Group D
Armenia vs. Türkiye
Croatia vs. Wales
Group I
Belarus vs. Switzerland
Israel vs. Kosovo
Andorra vs. Romania