European Super Football

Netherlands 0 - 0 France The Netherlands and France played to a stalemate in Leipzig, leaving both teams level on four points at the top of Group D. Pre match scenes at Netherlands v France The group remains wide open heading into the final matchday, with little to separate the Netherlands and France. Defenders took centre stage in this encounter, with Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk standing out as he effectively neutralised France's formidable attacking threats. The 1988 champions almost took the lead within the first minute, as Jeremie Frimpong displayed blistering speed to latch onto a through ball, only to have his shot turned away by France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France's captain Antoine Griezmann appeared poised to break the deadlock in the 15th minute after Adrien Rabiot set him up perfectly close to goal, but he failed to control the ball in time. Griezmann also curled a shot wide shortly after. Both sides had opportunities to win Marcus Thuram

 England 1 - 2 France Football won't be coming home for Christmas England are out of a World Cup but, this time, it was in a desperately agonising quarter-final defeat. This time, more than any other time, and against the world champions France, it felt very different. They were not outplayed. They did not retreat. Instead they lost a tie which they should have won, which they deserved to win and which will sear into Harry Kane - Harry Kane of all people - who missed the penalty kick that would have forced extra-time; Kane missed the penalty that would have confirmed him as England’s all-time record scorer, with 54 goals, one ahead of Wayne Rooney.  History beckoned but for Kane but it wasn't to be. At the end Gareth Southgate wrapped his arms around Kane but he was in another place, staring into the distance. It felt incredibly sad after a fine performance laced with controversy. It was another player that was key for France The pre-match debate centred on how England could st

 France 4 - 0 Netherlands Kylian Mbappe scored his first goals as France captain. The World Cup finalists began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a fine win against the Netherlands. France were ahead after just two minutes when Antoine Griezmann curled in from Mbappe's pass. Defender Dayot Upamecano made it 2-0 six minutes later as he bundled in. Mbappe then scored again for France when he drove in, before powering home his second late on. Griezmann had reportedly been unhappy at being overlooked for the captaincy role given to Mbappe, but there were no signs of friction between the pair as they celebrated Mbappe's first of the night in the 21st minute. There is a lot of positive team spirit amongst these players.  We can also see that they have recovered from the heartbreak of losing the World Cup Final.  World Cup: Argentina triumph after classic final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Kylian Mbappé has now scored more goals for France than Karim Benzema. He's

Manchester United 0-1 Atlético (aggregate 1-2) Renan Lodi headed the only goal against Manchester United to edge Atlético into the last eight The first half was high on endeavour but low on chances. It saw Anthony Elanga ]denied by the head of Jan Oblak from a low Bruno Fernandes cross before Rodrigo De Paul's deflected shot was pushed away by David de Gea. João Félix did have the ball in the net for the visitors, but Marcos Llorente had strayed offside before teeing up the Portuguese striker. It proved a short reprieve for United. João Félix's back-heel released Antoine Griezmann, who stood up an inviting cross to the far post for Renan Lodi to head in. The Red Devils increased the pressure after the break, and nearly levelled when Jadon Sancho's ferocious volley fizzed just over. Raphaël Varane thought he had forced extra time with a thumping header from Alex Telles' free-kick, but Oblak continued his stunning resistance as Atlético dug in to see out the remaining t

France 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 were dented as France ran out comfortable winners at Parc des Princes. Aurelien Tchouameni's stunning 19th-minute goal put the hosts ahead at the break. Substitute Marcus Thuram ensured a home victory early in the second half as the French made it five wins from five. For the Republic,  it is the third defeat in four games, leaving them fourth in the group. The chances of the Irish qualifying for next summer's finals in Germany are remote, but they must regroup quickly and look to revive their campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday. Euro 2024 Qualifying When France visited Dublin in March, Didier Deschamps' side escaped with a 1-0 win. They were put under intense pressure by a spirited Republic team, with French goalkeeper Mike Maignan in inspired form. But it was a different story in Paris with Thuram's goal taking the sting out of the game and paving the way

France 1 - 0 Belgium A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense. A game that had lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration seemed destined for extra time. However, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining, ultimately sealing a French victory at Düsseldorf Arena. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match France had missed several opportunities before that, with their lack of finishing touch once again letting them down. Even captain Kylian Mbappe squandered chances that he would normally convert. Belgium nearly took the lead themselves before France's late goal. Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan. That had been the underwhelming Belgians' only decent opportunity as France saw out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will