Kylian Mbappe double assures France of a place at Euro 2024

By Sports Desk October 13, 2023

Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a stunning strike from just outside the box, as France beat the Netherlands 2-0 in Amsterdam to secure Euro 2024 qualification.

After putting Les Bleus ahead with a seventh-minute finish, Mbappe added a breathtaking second eight minutes into the second half, exchanging passes with Adrien Rabiot and sending a curling shot over Bart Verbruggen and into the top corner.

Quilindschy Hartman reduced the deficit with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

The result extended France’s perfect record in Group B to a sixth victory as they rubber-stamped their place in next summer’s finals in Germany with two fixtures to spare.

Their opponents dropped from second to third, replaced by Greece – who won 2-0 against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Georgios Giakoumakis and Georgios Masouras scored in the first half as Ireland’s chances of automatic qualification officially came to an end.

Greece are now three points clear of the Netherlands, who have a game in hand.

In Group F, Belgium sealed progress to the finals with a 3-2 win away against second-placed Austria.

The visitors appeared to be cruising after Dodi Lukebakio’s double and a Romelu Lukaku effort had them three goals up before the hour mark.

Things then became less comfortable as Konrad Laimer pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute, Belgium were reduced to 10 men by a red card for Amadou Onana six minutes later, and Marcel Sabitzer scored an 84th-minute penalty – but Domenico Tedesco’s side managed to see out the win.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan registered their first win in the group as they beat Estonia 2-0 in Tallinn.

Portugal also completed the job of qualification via a 3-2 victory as they defeated Slovakia in Porto, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.

Goncalo Ramos and a Ronaldo penalty had the hosts two goals up at half-time, and after David Hancko’s reply, Ronaldo made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute with his 125th international goal.

Stanislav Lobotka netted a second for Slovakia, who are second behind Portugal in Group J.

Friday’s other matches in the pool saw Iceland and Luxembourg draw 1-1 in Reykjavik and Bosnia and Herzegovina win 2-0 in Liechtenstein.

Related items

  • Cavalier SC defeat Vere Phoenix 2-1 amid fiery exchange between coaches Cavalier SC defeat Vere Phoenix 2-1 amid fiery exchange between coaches

    Defending champions Cavalier SC continued their unbeaten run in the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Vere Phoenix United at Sabina Park on Sunday. Early goals from Dwayne Atkinson and Jalmaro Calvin gave Cavalier the edge, despite a second-half response from Vere Phoenix’s Matthew Woo Ling. The win moves Cavalier into fourth place with 15 points from four wins and three draws, while Vere remain in ninth with eight points.

    The match was charged with intensity due to a brewing rivalry between Cavalier’s Head Coach Rudolph Speid and Vere Phoenix Technical Director Craig Butler. With the Reggae Boyz technical staff, including Head Coach Steve McClaren, in attendance, Butler acknowledged the extra motivation within his squad to face the reigning champions.

    Despite the loss, Butler expressed confidence in his team’s potential, citing the absence of key players due to schoolboy football commitments. “When you look at the quality of the team, they’re both good, but it was good for us to play the top team in the league and to realize that they’re not many goals better than the team we have in place,” he told the Jamaica Observer. He further suggested that Cavalier’s narrow win only solidifies his belief that Vere Phoenix can compete for the title once they’re at full strength.

    Butler remained undeterred by his team’s current standing and praised the work of Head Coach Lenny Hyde, saying, “If the head of the competition can only beat us 2-1, it means we’re improving… we’ll continue to do what we’re doing.”

    Speid, however, brushed aside any narratives surrounding the rivalry, emphasizing Cavalier’s straightforward approach. “What narrative?” he responded dismissively. “We’re not worried about those things; we just played how we were supposed to play. We’re a professional unit, we come to get the points and go home — that’s it and that’s most important.”

    The weekend saw other intense matchups in the Jamaica Premier League:

    Mount Pleasant defeated Harbour View 3-1
    Portmore edged Humble Lion 1-0
    Racing United claimed a 1-0 win over Chapelton
    Montego Bay topped Dunbeholden 2-1
    As the league heads into a break for the international window, Cavalier SC remains focused on their winning streak, while Vere Phoenix looks to regroup and return stronger, setting up for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.

     

  • Arteta: Saka and Rice injuries do not look good Arteta: Saka and Rice injuries do not look good

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not have a positive outlook when questioned about Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice's respective injuries following their 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.

    Saka was taken off in the 81st minute, having earlier received treatment on a problem with his leg, while Rice left the pitch 10 minutes earlier having been playing with a broken toe.

    While their injuries represent a problem for Arteta, both Saka and Rice were included in the England squad to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

    It could be a blow for England interim manager Lee Carsley, with Arteta doubtful they will be able to contribute.

    "It doesn't look good because for two players of that importance to say they want to come off is unusual," Arteta told reporters after the match. "I don't expect them to be fit [for the international break] because if not, they don't come off."

    Saka has already missed two games for Arsenal this season, having picked up an injury during the previous international break. The Gunners have had to deal with numerous injuries to key players, including that of Martin Odegaard, who made his first start for the club since August on Sunday.

    "What I'm praying for is that after the international break, we have the team fully physically equipped, that they are available and that they are fit because it's been a nightmare for eight weeks," he added.

    "Doubt after doubt, issue after issue, not only with the ones that are not able to play but with the ones who are able to play."

  • Reggae Girlz Stars Kameron Simmonds, Solai Washington, and Mimi Van Zanten win ACC Championship with Florida State Reggae Girlz Stars Kameron Simmonds, Solai Washington, and Mimi Van Zanten win ACC Championship with Florida State

     Jamaican stars Kameron Simmonds, Solai Washington, and Mimi Van Zanten helped power the No. 6 Florida State Seminoles to a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over No. 8 North Carolina in the ACC Tournament Championship on Sunday. With this victory, Florida State claimed its fifth consecutive ACC Tournament title and the 11th in program history, marking an impressive 10 wins in the past 12 years.

     The final was fiercely contested, with North Carolina starting strong and taking the lead with a penalty kick. However, Florida State quickly responded when freshman Taylor Suarez found the net, equalizing with a powerful strike from outside the box. UNC regained the lead with a header just before halftime, putting Florida State on the back foot for the second time in the game.

     Midway through the second half, Florida State surged back. Substitute Ashlyn Puerta was fouled inside the box, leading to a penalty that senior captain Taylor Huff converted with precision, leveling the score at 2-2. Minutes later, freshman Wrianna Hudson secured Florida State's lead with a stunning left-footed half-volley, giving the Seminoles a 3-2 advantage that they held until the final whistle.

     Jamaican Solai Washington earned All-Tournament honours for her standout performance throughout the competition, joining her teammate Huff, who was named Tournament MVP. This win cements the Seminoles’ dominance in the ACC, having defeated North Carolina five times in ACC title matches over the years.

     The Reggae Girlz trio, Simmonds, Washington, and Van Zanten, now look ahead to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament, with the selection show scheduled for Monday, November 11.

     

     

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.