The China Mail - Mbappe-less France draw with Dutch at Euro 2024 as Ukraine win

Mbappe watched from the bench as an unused substitute in Leipzig, the new Real Madrid recruit forced to wear a mask in training this week after breaking his nose in France's opening game of the tournament.

Didier Deschamps included Mbappe in his matchday squad but elected not to risk his star striker, with qualification for the knockout phase largely assured.

"Of course Kylian is one of the best players in the world, so a player like that who is not on the pitch is a loss for us. But other players performed really well," said France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

"We hope he comes back as soon as possible."

Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons had a goal controversially ruled out for offside in the second half, while Antoine Griezmann, captaining France in Mbappe's absence, was guilty of missing his team's two best chances.

"I had two chances, but they got caught up in my feet. It's a real shame," said Griezmann.

"We have to work (on scoring). I think that defensively we were OK, tactically we were fine, we're just missing this goal for the strikers but it's going to be fine."

Simons thought he had fired the Netherlands ahead with 20 minutes left but Denzel Dumfries was deemed to be interfering with France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and the goal was disallowed after a lengthy VAR check.

"For me it was a valid goal, but he didn't give it. It's a shame," said Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk.

"One point is good. We haven't lost, it's all in our hands."

Poland, who lost 3-1 to Austria in Berlin, became the first team dumped out following the draw between France and the Netherlands in the late Group D fixture.

France play the eliminated Poles in their final group match on Tuesday. They are level on four points at the top with the Dutch, who face Austria at the same time.

- Ukraine comeback -

Ukraine's players shed tears of joy as the team playing in their first international tournament since Russian forces invaded in February 2022 came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 to move second in Group E.

Their first win of Euro 2024 also earned a message of congratulations from the country's president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Roman Yaremchuk came off the bench to hit the winner in Duesseldorf.

After a bruising 3-0 defeat by Romania in their opener, Ukraine showed spirit to fight back with Mykola Shaparenko levelling early in the second half following Ivan Schranz's opener.

Zelensky said "Way to go guys!" in a message on social media network X, saying the result showed his country can "take a punch and overcome obstacles".

"The players showed the spirit of Ukraine on the pitch and deserved the win," said coach Serhiy Rebrov.

- Lewandowski ineffective -

Poland, who lost 3-1 to Austria in Berlin earlier in the day, became the first team dumped out despite the return of talisman Robert Lewandowski from a thigh injury.

Lewandowski, who missed Poland's opening loss to the Dutch, came on as a substitute but could not help his team make inroads against Ralf Rangnick's sturdy Austrian side.

Poland striker Krzysztof Piatek levelled Gernot Trauner's opener, but Christoph Baumgartner and Marko Arnautovic's second-half goals earned Austria three vital points.

After their second defeat of the tournament, Poland coach Michal Probierz insisted Lewandowski was fit to play.

"He was fully fit and he has practised with the team," said Probierz.

Lewandowski came on in the 60th minute with the game level at 1-1 but could not inspire his team as Austria ran out convincing winners.

Austria dominated the opening stages and Trauner powered home a header at the near post.

Piatek levelled for Poland after half an hour, staying calm in the box when a rebound fell his way.

Around the hour mark Probierz sent on Lewandowski.

Showing little concern about his injury, the forward charged around and quickly picked up a booking.

Austria regained the lead after 67 minutes when Arnautovic cleverly stepped over a pass received by Baumgartner, who stroked into the bottom corner.

Veteran captain Arnautovic, 35, sealed the win with a late penalty after Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny felled Marcel Sabitzer.

X.So--ThChM