In their final warm-up match before the highly anticipated Euro 2024, France was held to a 0-0 draw by Canada in Bordeaux on Sunday. The match saw French star Kylian Mbappé rested for most of the game, entering the pitch only in the 74th minute but unable to inspire a victory.
This match also marked the last home appearance for veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who announced his retirement from the French national team after the upcoming European Championship. Giroud, moving to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, leaves behind a legacy as one of France’s most prolific scorers.
Mbappé, who recently completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, had played the entire friendly against Luxembourg earlier in the week, where he scored in France’s 3-0 victory. Concerns over his fitness arose after he missed some training sessions, but he is expected to play a pivotal role in France’s Euro 2024 campaign.
France, runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, are set to begin their Euro 2024 journey on June 17 against Austria. They are placed in Group D alongside Poland and the Netherlands, promising a competitive group stage.
Elsewhere, defending European champions Italy secured a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Empoli, with Davide Frattesi netting the decisive goal. Italy, who missed out on the last two World Cups despite their Euro 2020 success, will face Albania in their opening match. Group B’s other contenders include Spain and Croatia, both showcasing strong form with Spain defeating Northern Ireland 5-1 and Croatia beating Portugal 2-1 in recent friendlies.
Slovakia delivered an impressive 4-0 victory over Wales, intensifying pressure on Welsh manager Rob Page. Slovakia will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Belgium in Group E, which also features Romania and Ukraine.
In other matches, Georgia overcame Montenegro 3-1 away. Georgia is grouped with Portugal, Türkiye, and the Czech Republic in Group F, setting the stage for intriguing encounters.
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France draw with Canada in their final warm-up before Euro 2024
cgtn.com
