France and Poland delivered a tightly contested 1-1 draw at Euro 2024, a result that positioned France as the second-place finisher in Group D. The match in Dortmund witnessed Kylian Mbappe’s inaugural European Championship goal from a penalty, yet it also underscored existing worries about France’s offensive cohesion and the potentially tougher road ahead in the knockout rounds. This Euro 2024 France vs Pologne game was rich in narrative, from Mbappe’s personal milestone to a contentious penalty decision favoring Poland and a standout performance by Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski. Let’s dissect the pivotal moments and explore the implications of this draw for both nations in Euro 2024.
Mbappe Breaks Euro Duck, But France Still Searching for Spark
After enduring two Euro tournaments, six matches, 536 minutes, and 23 attempts, Kylian Mbappe finally found the back of the net in a European Championship. This milestone arrives in stark contrast to his prolific record of 12 goals in 14 appearances across two World Cups, including four in World Cup finals. The question arises: why the disparity in his Euro performance? Is it simply a matter of timing, with Euros coinciding with less favorable periods in his career? Or is the European Championship genuinely a more challenging tournament than the World Cup, a sentiment Mbappe himself has voiced? Perhaps the French squad around him was more synergized during their successful World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022.
In this France Pologne Euro 2024 match, France appeared notably reliant on Mbappe, especially in the initial hour before the introduction of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann. Leading up to his penalty goal, there was a palpable sense that players like Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele were deferring to Mbappe to produce a moment of magic, rather than seizing control themselves.
Kylian Mbappe goal against Poland in Euro 2024, convex touchmap showing player positions
Maybe there’s no definitive explanation for Mbappe’s prior Euro struggles. It could be an anomaly, a statistical quirk. However, for France to make a significant impact in this Euro 2024 tournament, Mbappe will need to add to his tally and find a more cohesive attacking rhythm with his teammates.
Mbappe Euro 2024 goal celebration against Poland
By Nick Miller
Skorupski Shines: Poland’s Goalkeeping Future Looks Bright
With Wojciech Szczesny’s international retirement, Poland’s goalkeeping mantle seems to be in capable hands. Lukasz Skorupski delivered a commanding performance against France, thwarting Kylian Mbappe and the French attack for a significant portion of the match.
Stepping up to succeed Szczesny, Poland’s record clean sheet holder with 34 in 83 appearances, is a tall order. However, Skorupski’s display in this France Pologne Euro 2024 game signals a promising start to a new chapter. Fresh off an impressive season with Bologna, where he helped secure Champions League qualification in Serie A, Skorupski appeared unfazed on the international stage. In his eleventh cap, having patiently waited his turn behind Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, Skorupski seized his moment.
Lukasz Skorupski's impressive goalkeeping performance for Poland against France Euro 2024
Early in the game, Skorupski denied Theo Hernandez and subsequently made crucial close-range saves against Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe. This resilience persisted into the second half as Skorupski consistently repelled France’s advances, accumulating a total of seven saves. It ultimately took a penalty, conceded by Jakub Kiwior on Dembele and expertly converted by Mbappe, to breach Skorupski’s defenses.
By Andy Jones
Controversial Penalty Drama: Lewandowski’s Second Chance
Robert Lewandowski experienced a moment of fortune in Dortmund as France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan was penalized for leaving his goal line prematurely during Lewandowski’s initial penalty attempt. Poland’s penalty was awarded in the 76th minute when referee Marco Guida, after VAR review, judged Dayot Upamecano to have fouled Karol Swiderski in the box.
Upamecano, familiar with the stadium as a Bayern Munich player, challenged Swiderski from behind. Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time leading scorer, stepped up for what seemed a straightforward penalty conversion.
Screenshot of Lewandowski's penalty attempt against France, initial shot saved by Maignan
Close-up screenshot of Maignan saving Lewandowski's first penalty shot in France vs Poland Euro 2024 match
Lewandowski employed a stutter-step run-up, pausing before striking the ball to Maignan’s right. Maignan made the save, seemingly securing the moment.
Screenshot showing referee reviewing Maignan's position during Lewandowski's penalty kick
However, Lewandowski and his teammates immediately protested, arguing that the AC Milan goalkeeper had encroached off his line before the ball was struck.
Screenshot highlighting Maignan leaving his goal line before penalty kick in France Pologne Euro 2024 game
Replays confirmed Maignan’s infringement. Law 14 stipulates: “The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, without touching the goalposts, crossbar or goal net, until the ball is kicked.”
Rule explanation screenshot for goalkeeper positioning during penalty kick in Euro 2024
The referee concurred, and Lewandowski was granted a retake. The second attempt proved successful, with Maignan unable to prevent the goal, again directed to the bottom left corner.
Screenshot of Lewandowski scoring the retaken penalty against France in Euro 2024
By Elias Burke
Lewandowski’s International Stage Farewell?
Could the France Pologne Euro 2024 match be Robert Lewandowski’s final appearance in a major international tournament? While only Lewandowski knows the definitive answer, this wasn’t the desired exit for the 35-year-old striker, as Poland, already eliminated from Euro 2024, were playing for pride. Defeats to the Netherlands and Austria in their initial two group games sealed their fate.
Despite the circumstances, Lewandowski, true to his goalscoring pedigree, left his mark on the tournament. He joined an exclusive club as only the third player to score in four different European Championships. Despite needing a retaken penalty after Maignan’s infraction, he extended his international goalscoring record to 83 goals in 152 appearances.
Robert Lewandowski's reaction after his first penalty miss against France at Euro 2024
By the 2026 World Cup, Lewandowski will be nearing 38. While he may still be performing at a high club level, Poland will likely look to younger talent as they embark on future qualifying campaigns.
By Andy Jones
France’s Performance Raises Questions
Despite possessing arguably the most talented squad in Euro 2024, France’s performances in their three group matches have been underwhelming. They’ve scored just twice – one own goal and Mbappe’s penalty – and against Poland, their attacking play lacked fluidity and synergy.
France vs Poland player network analysis during Euro 2024 match
France often resembled a collection of individuals. Mbappe was dynamic but frequently operated in isolation. Ousmane Dembele’s dangerous runs down the right flank were undermined by poor crossing and finishing. N’Golo Kante made impactful forward surges from midfield in the first half, but his final passes were notably lacking.
The connective tissue in this French team often comes from Olivier Giroud’s hold-up play and Antoine Griezmann’s creative midfield presence. Marcus Thuram filled Giroud’s role effectively against the Netherlands, but without both Giroud and Griezmann in the starting lineup against Poland, France appeared disjointed and unconvincing.
N'Golo Kante substituted for Antoine Griezmann during France vs Poland Euro 2024 match
France are expected to improve in the knockout stages, but their group stage showings have been far from convincing, raising concerns about their Euro 2024 aspirations.
By Michael Cox
Finishing Second: A Concern for France?
Group D standings fluctuated dramatically during the final matchday. At halftime, with the France Pologne Euro 2024 scoreline at 0-0, France held second place. Simultaneously, Austria led the Netherlands 1-0, placing Austria at the top of the group.
Mbappe’s penalty briefly elevated France to the top spot, positioning them in a potentially favorable knockout bracket alongside Italy, England, and Belgium – teams that haven’t consistently impressed at Euro 2024. The second-place finisher in Group D, however, was slated for a tougher path, potentially facing tournament favorites like Portugal, Spain, and Germany.
Poland’s equalizer and Austria’s eventual 3-2 victory over the Netherlands meant France finished as Group D runners-up. This outcome suggests a more challenging route to the Euro 2024 final on July 14 for Les Bleus.
| Group D | MP | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| France | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Netherlands | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Poland | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 1 |
France’s possible route to the final:
Round of 16: Romania/Belgium/Slovakia/Ukraine
Quarter-final: Portugal
Semi-final: Spain/Germany
By Charlie Scott
Deschamps’ Post-Match Reaction
“I’m not disappointed at all,” Didier Deschamps stated. “Of course we wanted top spot, but their goalkeeper was excellent, making numerous saves. We had chances, especially in the first half, but credit to Skorupski. We need to play quicker, on the ground. We weren’t going to win aerial duels against Poland. We created chances, and while not scoring limits our performance, we’re in the last 16. It was a tough group. We’ll rest and hopefully the journalists can too!”
Poland Coach Probierz’s Perspective
Michal Probierz commented, “We fought hard and showed good spells – that’s my desired football. I thank the players’ commitment, though it’s a shame we couldn’t qualify. This Euro 2024 has been difficult. We wanted to stay longer. We played well in parts despite the heat, but we need better structure and consistent top-level performances from our key players.”
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(Top photo: Getty Images)
