Kylian Mbappe scores twice as France thrash Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifying

25.03.2023 - 14:57 breakingnews.ie

France scored three times in the first 22 minutes en route to thrashing the Netherlands 4-0 in Paris to get their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign off to the perfect start.

Goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano had France two up after only eight minutes, before Kylian Mbappe added a third to see the hosts out of sight with barely a quarter of the game gone against Ronald Koeman’s side.

Mbappe netted again two minutes from the end to ensure the World Cup runners-up took firm control of their qualification group, while a heavy defeat for the Netherlands meant they suffered embarrassment in Koeman’s first game since returning.

Elsewhere in Group B, Greece eased to a 3-0 victory away to Gibraltar, goals from Giorgos Masouras, Emmanouil Siopis and Anastasios Bakasetas hauling the visitors into second place in the early standings ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who begin their campaign against France on Monday.

soccer 2024 as Romelu Lukaku Ronald Koeman Antoine Griezmann Kylian Mbappe Marcel Sabitzer Sweden Manchester France Belgium Netherlands Serbia Austria Czech Republic Poland Ireland Paris Montenegro Azerbaijan Lithuania Bulgaria Gibraltar Greece Moldova Faroe Islands

Kylian Mbappe on Thursday complained about Paris Saint-Germain's use of a video of him for their season-ticket advertising campaign, before the club removed the footage. PSG's star striker said he would fight for "individual image rights" after an interview with him was used by the club in a video to promote ticket sales for next season. "At no time was I informed of the content of the interview," Mbappe said on Instagram. "It looked like a basic interview during a club marketing day. I don't agree with this published video.

France captain Kylian Mbappé is leading an exciting new generation

I t seems like only yesterday that Kylian Mbappé was a fresh-faced teenager, his knee slides propelling Monaco to the Ligue 1 title and a place in the Champions League semi-finals. He is now 24, a Paris Saint-Germain player and the captain of France. Is this a new era for Didier Deschamps’ side or is it just a reminder of how quickly time moves as one ages? On the evidence of France’s two wins in the international break – 4-0 over the Netherlands and 1-0 over the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying – the evidence points to the former.

Mbappe, Kane and Ronaldo still the gold standard on the international stage

Hugo Lloris spread his arms wide and raised them up slowly to perform a Viking Clap.

Despite defeat Ireland fired a warning shot fired at group rivals in their quest to qualify

Defiant in defeat, the Republic of Ireland sent out a warning shot to group rivals, the Netherlands, as they battled bravely, but ultimately lost 1-0 to France at the Aviva Stadium.

Ferguson catches Mbappe's eye ahead of Aviva showdown

Kylian Mbappe is determined to prevent teenager Evan Ferguson from adding another chapter to his football fairytale as France and the Republic of Ireland head into Euro 2024 battle.