New captain Mbappe scores double, France beat Netherlands 4-0 to make perfect start to EURO 2024 quals

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Kylian Mbappe-led France dominated the Netherlands 4-0 to make a flying start to their UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign Friday.

France's new captain scored two goals, including a late strike against the Dutch national team to be one of the key players in the French victory in a Group B match at Saint-Denis' Stade de France.

Les Bleus finished the job early. French forward Antoine Griezmann scored the opener with a left-footed strike in the second minute and teammate Dayot Upamecano doubled the gap six minutes later after a mistake by goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

In minute 21, Mbappe ran inside the penalty area and finished in the penalty box after a killer through ball by Aurelien Tchouameni. The Dutch defense failed after French forward Randal Kolo Muani skipped over. Mbappe was unmarked to beat Cillessen in a one-on-one.

France went into the break with a 3-0 lead.

The crowd at Stade de France were again rampant after Mbappe scored on a solo-effort goal to seal the match in the 88th minute.

Near the end of the match, the Netherlands' experienced forward Memphis Depay missed a penalty, giving the Dutch a frustrating result.

Mbappe had a perfect start to his captaincy after scoring twice and an assist to Griezmann.

France will visit Ireland in Dublin on Monday, while the Netherlands will host Gibraltar in Rotterdam.

- Friday's results:

Group B

France - the Netherlands: 4-0

Gibraltar - Greece: 0-3

Group E

Czech Republic - Poland: 3-1

Moldova - Faroe Islands: 1-1

Group F

Sweden - Belgium: 0-3

Austria - Azerbaijan: 4-1

Group G

Bulgaria - Montenegro: 0-1

Serbia - Lithuania: 2-0

- Saturday's fixtures:

Group A

Scotland vs. Greek Cypriot administration

Spain vs. Norway

Group D

Armenia vs. Türkiye

Croatia vs. Wales

Group I

Belarus vs. Switzerland

Israel vs. Kosovo

Andorra vs. Romania