The highly anticipated Euro 2024 Group D match between France and Poland delivered drama and goals as both teams settled for a 1-1 draw. Kylian Mbappé marked his return to the pitch after a nose injury with a penalty goal, his first ever in the European Championship. However, Robert Lewandowski responded in kind, also from the penalty spot, ensuring Poland earned a point in their final group game in Dortmund on Tuesday, June 25th.
The draw, coupled with Austria’s victory over the Netherlands, positioned France as the second-place finisher in Group D. This outcome shifts France onto a potentially tougher path in the knockout stages, landing them in the same bracket as heavyweights like Portugal, Spain, and Germany.
Mbappé, sporting a protective mask, confidently converted a penalty in the second half after Ousmane Dembélé was fouled in the Polish penalty area. This strike was not only Mbappé’s inaugural goal in a European Championship but also the first goal scored by a French player at Euro 2024 – their previous goal credited to them was an own goal in the match against Austria.
Kylian Mbappé penalty goal against Poland during Euro 2024 Group D match in Dortmund
Poland, already eliminated from Euro 2024 prior to this match, demonstrated resilience. Lewandowski, making his first start in the tournament after recovering from a thigh injury, leveled the score with a penalty of his own late in the game. Initially, his penalty was saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, but a VAR review led to a retake as Maignan was deemed to have moved off his line prematurely. Lewandowski made no mistake on his second attempt.
France’s performance in this match, and in their preceding group games, has raised questions about their readiness to contend for the Euro 2024 title. While they are through to the round of 16, they displayed inconsistency and a lack of sharpness against Poland. To progress deep into the tournament, improvements are essential. Their next challenge will be in Duesseldorf against the runner-up from Group E.
Adding to the pre-match talking points was coach Didier Deschamps’ decision to bench Antoine Griezmann and hand Bradley Barcola his first international start. Deschamps opted for a familiar attacking trio featuring the Paris Saint-Germain forwards. Lewandowski, returning to his former home ground where he starred for Borussia Dortmund, missed a notable headed chance in the first half.
Mbappé initially struggled to impose himself on the game, frequently adjusting his mask in the humid conditions. However, he grew into the match as the first half progressed, linking up effectively with Barcola and testing Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, who was preferred over Wojciech Szczesny for this game. Skorupski proved to be a formidable barrier, denying Mbappé on several occasions, including a signature curling effort just after halftime, before finally being beaten by the penalty.
The penalty awarded to France stemmed from a rapid surge into the box by Dembélé, who was brought down by Jakub Kiwior. Referee Marco Guida immediately pointed to the spot, setting the stage for Mbappé’s historic moment. Poland’s penalty came when substitute Karol Swiderski was fouled by Dayot Upamecano. After initially waving play on, the referee consulted VAR and overturned his decision.
Ultimately, the 1-1 draw in this Poland France Euro 2024 match leaves France with work to do as they advance to the knockout rounds. For Poland, the draw provided a measure of pride and a positive note to conclude their Euro 2024 campaign.
