Deschamps explains why he benched Mbappe in Netherlands draw

Deschamps explains why he benched Mbappe in Netherlands draw

Hassan Abdulsalam 15:54 - 22.06.2024

Deschamps acknowledged that his choice might have varied for a knockout match, yet he remains optimistic about Mbappe's possible return for the final group game against Poland on Tuesday.

Didier Deschamps has confirmed that it was not advisable to hurry Kylian Mbappe back for Friday's 0-0 draw against the Netherlands following his broken nose.

Mbappe remained on the sidelines as Les Bleus' inefficient finishing resulted in them falling short of securing their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a game to spare.

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Deschamps acknowledged that his choice might have varied for a knockout match, yet he remains optimistic about Mbappe's possible return for the final group game against Poland on Tuesday.

"With each day he's getting better and if it had been a decisive game this evening, I would have thought twice about him playing or not.

"We are getting to a point that is better for him. After what happened, I thought the wiser decision was to keep him on the bench.

"I always try to take the right choice so we have the most balance in the team as possible.

"The only regret I have is that we weren’t efficient enough. We had five or six chances to score," he said.

France 0-0 Netherlands

Antoine Griezmann missed France's best chances of the game. Les Bleus' have only scored once in two matches - an own goal, but remain on course to qualify for the next round with four points.

Aurelien Tchouameni replaced Mbappe in the lineup as Deschamps aimed for extra midfield security, expressing regret over France not converting their opportunities.

The Netherlands did have the ball in the net late on but Xavi Simons' goal was controversially ruled out. After a lengthy delay for a VAR check, Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to be interfering with goalkeeper Mike Maignan's ability to stop the shot from an offside position.

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