In a gripping encounter at Euro 2024, Kylian Mbappe’s penalty goal was matched by Robert Lewandowski’s equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw between France and Poland. The game’s intensity was heightened by Austria’s 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, which determined France’s second-place finish in Group D.
France now advances to the last-16 stage, where they will face the runners-up from Group E (Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, or Ukraine) in Duesseldorf next Monday.
Coach Didier Deschamps expressed satisfaction with their qualification: “We have to appreciate what we did. We’re qualified. We know when we’re playing next (July 1), even if we don’t know against who exactly.”
Mbappe, wearing a protective mask for his broken nose, converted a penalty early in the second half after Ousmane Dembele was fouled in the Polish area. This marked Mbappe’s first-ever goal in a European Championship.
However, Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time leading scorer, leveled the score with a penalty 11 minutes from time. His initial attempt was saved by Mike Maignan, but he was granted a retake due to the goalkeeper’s premature movement off the line.
France’s second-place finish places them on the same side of the draw as Portugal, Spain, and Germany, a tougher path than if they had topped the group.
Poland, already eliminated after two opening losses, salvaged pride in this match. The return of the masked Mbappe and the absence of Antoine Griezmann in the starting XI were notable lineup decisions.
Lewandowski, playing at the stadium where he made his name with Borussia Dortmund, had a significant chance in the first half. Mbappe, initially struggling, came alive later in the game, showcasing his trademark skills.
Despite the draw, both teams left their mark on Euro 2024, setting the stage for further excitement in the knockout rounds.
