A Kylian Mbappe penalty was cancelled out by Robert Lewandowski’s spot-kick as already-eliminated Poland held France to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, meaning the French finish second in Group D.
Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with his first European Championship goal — and the first scored by a French player at Euro 2024 — when he calmly slotted home a penalty given for Jakub Kiwior’s clumsy challenge on Ousmane Dembele.
But Dayot Upamecano brought down Polish substitute Karol Swiderksi, which allowed Lewandowski to level from the spot in the 79th minute. Lewandowski’s first effort was saved by Mike Maignan, who was adjudged to have advanced off his line too early.
This is the first time since Euro 2012 that France have failed to top their group at a major tournament.
It was another uninspired performance by the Les Bleus. They dominated possession but were denied by Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski who made a string of decent saves to deny Mbappe, Theo Hernandez, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola’s close-range efforts.
But after Poland found the equaliser, France had to endure a late flurry by the animated Polish who were roared on by their fans who woke up after Lewandowski’s goal.
Coach Didier Deschamps still seems to be figuring out how to play his forwards after three games. “We have to accept it even if we did what we did by creating the chances. At least we’re qualified and we know when we’ll play. A new competition will start.”
