Superstar Kylian Mbappé could play in France’s second group match at the 2024 European Championship against the Netherlands despite a broken nose. He took part in the final training session wearing a mask. How important is the attacker for the “Team Tricolore”?
Many football fans will still remember the “calf of the nation”. At the 2008 European Championship in Austria and Switzerland, Germany was worried before the final about the participation of Michael Ballack, who was suffering from a muscle injury. The outcome was good: The “Capitano”, who was the absolute leading player and undisputed leader of the DFB team at the time, was fit in time, but could not prevent the final defeat against Spain (0:1).
France fears Kylian Mbappé’s participation
At the 2024 European Championship in Germany, there is the “nose of the nation” – namely in the French national team. Kylian Mbappé broke his nose in the final phase of the opening match against Austria (1:0).
Whether the captain of the “Bleus” will be able to play in the second group match against the Netherlands (Friday, June 21, 2024, at 9 p.m. live on Das Erste and in the live stream on sportschau.de) will be decided at short notice.
Already made several masks
Mbappé trained on Thursday (June 20, 2024) with a special mask made for him, but he will probably not be allowed to play against the Dutch. This is because the mask is in the French national colors and UEFA only allows single-colored masks. However, as the radio network “RMC Sport” reported, several masks have already been made for Mbappé.
In any case, the 25-year-old felt uncomfortable with the mask, according to the French sports daily newspapers “L’Équipe” and “Le Parisien” on Friday (June 21, 2024). Mbappé had struggled with it in training. According to the report, he had repeatedly adjusted the mask, and his coaches also had to help.
Coach Deschamps is counting on Mbappé to play
Coach Didier Deschamps was nevertheless extremely confident at the press conference for the game on Thursday evening that he would be able to call on the attacker. “It’s going in the right direction. We will make sure that he is available,” explained the 55-year-old. According to consistent media reports, Deschamps is initially planning to put the superstar on the bench against the Netherlands.
“He’s doing very well,” emphasized fellow attacker Antoine Griezmann, who was also on the podium. The swelling from the broken nose has gone down a little, the 33-year-old said shortly before Deschamps’ remarks.
Against Austria goal assist
A ready Mbappé would be a huge asset for France against the Netherlands. Both teams won their first match (Oranje 2:1 against Poland), and the direct duel is of immense importance in the fight for group victory. It is clear that Deschamps is hoping that Mbappé will play.
The 25-year-old is the captain and leading player in the “Equipe Tricolore” and is always capable of deciding a game with one move or giving it a new twist. He also played a major role in the game-winning goal against Austria, an own goal by Maximilian Wöber.
Top goal rate for Mbappé in the national team
A look at the numbers shows how important Mbappé is for the French national team. In his first 49 international matches, the 25-year-old 2018 world champion has “only” scored 17 goals, but in the last 31 matches alone he has scored 30 times.
He scored nine goals in qualifying for the 2024 European Championship alone, and it would be no surprise if he moved from third place among the French record scorers to second place during the tournament in Germany. With his current 47 goals, only teammate Olivier Giroud (57) and attacking legend Thierry Henry (51) are ahead of him.
Top at World Championships, not yet at European Championships
His tournament record, however, is ambivalent: 12 goals and three assists in 14 World Cup games are absolutely outstanding. In 2021, however, in his first European Championship appearance, he failed to score. He did at least provide two assists, but was eliminated with the French in the round of 16 against Switzerland (3:3, 4:5 on penalties).
Olivier Giroud a hot candidate
Giroud would currently be the first candidate for replacement if Mbappé is unable to play against the Netherlands or is rested as a precaution. The 37-year-old is a classic centre and finishing striker, has experienced almost everything in his long career and is always able to function when he is needed. Giroud does not have the speed and dynamism of the 25-year-old Mbappé.
Nevertheless, he would be a “one-for-one” alternative, the logical choice so to speak. Mbappé, who mostly played on the left side of attack for Paris St. Germain last season, played in the middle in France’s opening match against Austria. He was flanked by the wingers Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembélé.
Randal Kolo Muani is out of form
Former Frankfurt player Randal Kolo Muani came on for Mbappé against Austria shortly before the end of the game. He is another candidate for the center. The former Frankfurt player has been a shadow of his former self since his 95 million euro move to Paris St. Germain, looking for form and confidence. Kolo Muani’s statistics show nine goals in 39 competitive matches since his move to the French capital.
No European Championship dreams without Kylian Mbappé
The fact is: Neither Giroud nor Kolo Muani could completely replace Mbappé, who is one of the world’s best players with a huge repertoire of skills. That is why all eyes will continue to be on the superstar. The dreams of France’s first European title since 2000 stand and fall with Mbappé. He is “irreplaceable”. And that is why all eyes will continue to be on him – on the “nose of the nation”.
