France have beat The Netherlands 4-0 at the Stade de France on Friday evening to start their new era in style. Goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano as well as a brace from newly-chosen skipper Kylian Mbappé tormented the Ronald Koeman-led Dutch side, who comprehensively dominated by Les Bleus. “We prepared all week with a view to not disappoint our fans”, said Mbappé, now France’s outright fifth best goalscorer with 38 strikes, to TF1. “We wanted to follow in our footsteps from the World Cup, aside from the final. We’re very happy. It’s a good first step, but there’s all to play for in the group.”
Mbappé was a constant threat throughout for the Dutch. He scored a classy brace and did not shy away from his defensive duties. Get French Football News has given him a 8 out of 10 in our ratings. “I continued to do my job, help the team and be decisive. I’m trying to bring more of the team with me. It worked today, but it’s only a start.”
France’s performance was complete, with new number one Mike Maignan coming to the fore to save a Memphis Depay penalty in injury time. “It’s great, just great. We did not want to concede a goal today for everyone to be happy“, assessed Mbappé. “It’s important for Mike not to concede. That’s his first time as number one goalkeeper and he starts with a clean sheet, it’s awesome for him. We’re very happy. I hope it will give him confidence because we all back him.”
Les Bleus will try to make it two wins out of two in group B of the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Monday as they take on Ireland in Dublin.