France vs Poland – June 26, 2024 | Kylian Mbappé and Robert Lewandowski each scored second-half penalties in a gripping match that saw Les Bleus secure the runners-up spot in Group D. The encounter between France vs Poland at the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 was a testament to the drama and unpredictability of football, with both teams showcasing resilience and skill.
Key Moments of the Match
The match saw numerous key moments that highlighted the intensity and skill of both teams. Here’s a rundown of the critical events:
- 11′ Minute: Poland’s goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski made an impressive save, denying Ousmane Dembélé on a counter-attack.
- 34′ Minute: Robert Lewandowski’s header narrowly missed the goal, flashing just wide.
- 41′ Minute: Skorupski showcased his goalkeeping prowess once again by tipping a clever effort from Mbappé wide of the post.
- 49′ Minute: Mbappé was thwarted by Skorupski yet again as the keeper dived to make another crucial save.
- 56′ Minute: Mbappé finally broke through, converting a penalty after Jakub Kiwior fouled Dembélé, sending Skorupski the wrong way.
- 78′ Minute: Lewandowski equalized with a penalty, awarded after a foul by Dayot Upamecano. Although Mike Maignan initially saved the shot, he had encroached, and Lewandowski calmly slotted in the retake.
Game Statistics | France vs Poland
France:
- Yellow Cards: 1
- Corner Kicks: 11
- Total Shots: 22
- Shots on Target: 9
- Ball Possession Percentage: 57%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 1
Poland:
- Yellow Cards: 3
- Corner Kicks: 3
- Total Shots: 10
- Shots on Target: 3
- Ball Possession Percentage: 43%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 1
Match in Brief: France Miss Out on Top Spot
Poland, despite being eliminated, displayed remarkable resilience and managed to match the French side for the first 45 minutes. With Robert Lewandowski back from injury, he provided a focal point in attack, supported by 19-year-old Kacper Urbański and Piotr Zieliński, who drove the counterattacks.
France’s frustration was evident as they struggled to find their rhythm. Kylian Mbappé, wearing a mask to protect his broken nose, tried to energize his team but was consistently denied by the outstanding Skorupski, who was making his major finals debut at 33.
The goalless first half, combined with Austria leading the Netherlands, meant France was in second place in Group D. The second half continued with relentless efforts from Mbappé until his penalty in the 56th minute gave France a brief lead. However, Lewandowski’s equalizer ensured that Poland exited the tournament with their heads held high, and France advanced to a round of 16 tie in Düsseldorf as Group D runners-up.
Player of the Match: Łukasz Skorupski
Łukasz Skorupski’s performance was instrumental in Poland’s commendable draw against France. The goalkeeper made six excellent saves, showcasing calmness under pressure and strong leadership, earning him the Vivo Player of the Match accolade.
Key Statistics
- France’s Group Stage Struggles: France has not won their final group match in any of their last nine major tournaments, with their last win coming against Togo in the 2006 FIFA World Cup (D5 L4).
- Consistent Knockout Phase Presence: France has advanced to the knockout phase in seven of the last eight EUROs.
- Lewandowski’s Scoring Streak: Robert Lewandowski became the third player to score in four successive EUROs (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024), joining Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Unbeaten Streak Under Deschamps: France remains unbeaten in nine EURO group stage matches under coach Didier Deschamps (W4 D5).
- Historical Unbeaten Record Against Poland: France is unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Poland in all competitions (W4 D5), dating back to 1982.
- Kanté’s Impressive Record: N’Golo Kanté has never lost a match in regulation time at a major finals, with a record of 18 games (W12 D6), the best for a European player.
- Griezmann’s Record Appearance: Antoine Griezmann made his 33rd appearance in a major finals, surpassing Lilian Thuram’s France record.
Line-ups
France:
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defenders: Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernández
- Midfielders: Tchouameni (Fofana 81), Kanté (Griezmann 61), Rabiot (Camavinga 61)
- Forwards: Dembélé (Kolo Muani 86), Mbappé, Barcola (Giroud 61)
Poland:
- Goalkeeper: Skorupski
- Defenders: Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior
- Midfielders: Moder, Zieliński; Frankowski, S Szymański (Świderski 68), Urbański, Zalewski (Skóraś 68)
- Forward: Lewandowski
Detailed Analysis | France vs Poland
First Half: Poland’s Resilience
The first half saw Poland displaying unexpected resilience against France. Despite being eliminated from the tournament, the Polish team played with determination and skill. Lewandowski, returning from injury, was a constant threat, and Zieliński’s leadership in midfield helped orchestrate several promising counterattacks. France, on the other hand, seemed frustrated and unable to find their usual fluidity.
Skorupski’s Heroics
Łukasz Skorupski, Poland’s goalkeeper, was the standout performer of the match. Making his major finals debut at the age of 33, Skorupski’s saves were crucial in keeping Poland in the game. His denial of Mbappé’s efforts, including a brilliant save in the 49th minute, showcased his agility and composure under pressure.
Second Half: Penalties and Drama
The second half was marked by two critical penalties. Mbappé’s spot-kick in the 56th minute broke the deadlock, sending Skorupski the wrong way and giving France a much-needed lead. However, Poland responded with their own penalty, awarded after a foul by Upamecano. Although Maignan initially saved Lewandowski’s shot, encroachment meant a retake, and Lewandowski made no mistake the second time.
Tactical Adjustments
Both teams made tactical adjustments throughout the match. France brought on Griezmann, Camavinga, and Giroud in the 61st minute, aiming to inject fresh energy and experience into their lineup. Poland, meanwhile, introduced Świderski and Skóraś to bolster their attacking options. These changes reflected the strategic depth and adaptability of both sides.
France’s Missed Opportunities
Despite their dominance in possession and numerous chances, France struggled to convert their opportunities. Mbappé’s persistence finally paid off with the penalty, but other attempts were either saved by Skorupski or missed the target. This inability to capitalize on chances was a recurring theme for France in the match.
Poland’s Counterattacking Threat
Poland’s counterattacking strategy posed significant challenges for the French defense. Zieliński’s vision and passing, combined with Lewandowski’s finishing and Urbański’s energy, created several dangerous moments. This approach not only kept Poland in the game but also highlighted France’s vulnerabilities in defense.
Conclusion | France vs Poland
The 1-1 draw between France and Poland on June 26, 2024, was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. Despite being eliminated, Poland played with pride and determination, earning a commendable point against one of the tournament favorites. France, while advancing to the knockout stage as Group D runners-up, will need to address their finishing issues and defensive lapses.
Implications for France
France’s second-place finish in Group D means they will face a tough round of 16 tie in Düsseldorf. The team will need to regroup and refine their strategies to advance further in the tournament. Key players like Mbappé, Kanté, and Griezmann will be crucial in their quest for glory.
Poland’s Positive Exit
Poland’s performance, particularly the heroics of Skorupski and the leadership of Lewandowski, provided a positive note to their tournament exit. The team can take pride in their resilience and the experience gained by younger players like Urbański, which bodes well for their future competitions.
Looking Ahead
As the UEFA Euro Cup progresses, the drama and excitement are bound to escalate. The France vs Poland match on June 26, 2024, will be remembered for its intense action, standout performances, and the ever-present uncertainty that makes football such a captivating sport.
