ANKARA
Kylian Mbappe-led France dominated the Netherlands 4-0 to make a flying start to their UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign Friday.
France’s new captain scored two goals, including a late strike against the Dutch national team to be one of the key players in the French victory in a Group B match at Saint-Denis’ Stade de France.
Les Bleus finished the job early. French forward Antoine Griezmann scored the opener with a left-footed strike in the second minute and teammate Dayot Upamecano doubled the gap six minutes later after a mistake by goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
In minute 21, Mbappe ran inside the penalty area and finished in the penalty box after a killer through ball by Aurelien Tchouameni. The Dutch defense failed after French forward Randal Kolo Muani skipped over. Mbappe was unmarked to beat Cillessen in a one-on-one.
France went into the break with a 3-0 lead.
The crowd at Stade de France were again rampant after Mbappe scored on a solo-effort goal to seal the match in the 88th minute.
Near the end of the match, the Netherlands’ experienced forward Memphis Depay missed a penalty, giving the Dutch a frustrating result.
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
