N’Golo Kante wins consecutive POTM awards at Euros as France plays a goalless draw against Netherlands

It was business as usual for N'golo Kante as the Frenchman picked up his second consecutive POTM award at the Euros.

N’Golo Kante wins consecutive POTM awards at Euros as France plays a goalless draw against Netherlands

N'golo Kante has now won the POTM award in both of France's group stage matches (Via X/@UEFAEuro2024)

N’Golo Kante has been at the very heart of France’s success in recent years. The midfield maestro’s inclusion in the squad for the 2024 Euros caused a lot of commotion, with fans admitting that he will be the difference maker for them at the tournament. As France finished their second group stage game of the tournament, their words couldn’t have been more true.

Kante was awarded the Player Of The Match award for his sublime display in midfield against the Netherlands. Despite the game ending in a goalless draw, Kante did well to keep his side ticking against the men in orange. Didier Deschamps received a lot of backlash for starting the defensive midfielder ahead of Real Madrid stars Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

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However, as if to silence his critics, the player picked up a second consecutive POTM award. His last-ditch tackles and swooping interceptions were crucial to France’s goalless draw.

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Deschamps stated that the team were doing everything possible to ensure Kylian Mbappe‘s fitness ahead of the game. However, Les Bleus were without their star man who broke his nose against Albania.

France and Netherlands play out goalless draw as Group B nears photo finish

In the absence of Kylian Mbappe, France took on the Netherlands in an exciting clash in Group D. Despite the result, Les Bleus remain in second position ahead of the final matchday. It was one way traffic in the opening minutes of the first half, when Antoine Griezmann repeatedly threatened to put his side into the lead.

Cody Gakpo vs France n'golo kante
The Netherlands and France played out a goalless draw (Via X/@UEFAEuro2024)

A shot from outside the box followed up by a mishit from point blank range and another golden opportunity placed wide of goal as Griezmann surprisingly failed to find the net. Netherlands responded with a blistering strike from outside the area, even though Mike Maignan got down just in time to push it away.

68 minutes had passed when Xavi Simons‘ thunderous strike found its way into the opposition net. Celebrations that followed were cut short by the match official as the line referee flagged Denzel Dumfries for being in an offside position. Amidst mass protests from the Dutch players, the referee claimed that Dumfries was in an offside position and interfering with play.

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