France and Poland go head-to-head in the final round of fixtures in Group D. Didier Deschamps’s side will be looking to secure their place in the next round with a first-place finish, while Poland are simply playing for pride after already being eliminated.
By Matthew Smith
It’s been an inconsistent start to the tournament for the French, with an injury to Kylian Mbappé undoubtedly stunting their progress. The soon-to-be Real Madrid star suffered a broken nose in the opening game, failing to play a single minute against the Netherlands in their second match.
Deschamps’ men were on top throughout against the Dutch, creating 1.43 expected goals while keeping 63 per cent of the ball, but they couldn’t turn their dominance into three points. Mbappé could only watch on from the bench with the supporters in France hoping he is saving himself for a vintage display against Poland (or deeper in to the tournament).
France have produced 3.6 expected goals in the tournament so far, but they’ve only managed to find the back of the net once. They will need to show more of a clinical edge on Tuesday if they want to cement their place in the next round, while they will also be desperate to finish in first place in Group D.
Poland were the first side to be eliminated from Euro 2024 due to the head-to-head record being the first tiebreaker method used to separate teams. Michal Propbierz’s side were handed one of the toughest groups possible, but there’s no doubt they’ve endured an underwhelming tournament.
Although the result will officially mean very little to them, the players will be looking to give the fans who have travelled something to cheer about. Poland were without their star man Robert Lewandowski in the opening game, but he returned in the final 30 minutes against Austria.
France will have to be wary of the threat he offers as the Polish striker has scored 81 times for his country during his career. There might be little riding on the game for Propbierz’s men, but a natural winner like Lewandowski will be looking to spoil the party.
With no side conceding more goals per 90 minutes than Poland, it’s a real opportunity for France to stake their claim and advance into the knockout rounds in style. Securing the three points, in reality, is all that matters, while the French will be relying on Austria to do them a favour by beating the Dutch.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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