France (National Football)

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has said Les Bleus' 2-0 UEFA Nations League defeat to the Netherlands on Friday could have been even "more flattering" to the hosts, who now sit only a point behind them in Group A1.

Didier Deschamps men needed one point away at De Kuip in Rotterdam to secure their place in the competition's finals. However, they'll now miss out on a spot in the semis if the Dutch beat or draw against bottom-placed Germany on Monday.

Lloris lamented his side's display, per FourFourTwo:

"We played to the minimum of our potential and paid for it. The score could have been even more flattering for the Dutch.

“We have to hope that the Germans beat them on Monday.

"We knew what to expect, we knew the level of the Netherlands, they had demonstrated it against Germany and Belgium in October and they turned in a great performance. 

"We did not live up to it. It's disappointing, now we no longer have our destiny in our hands."

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum netted the opener before Lyon's Memphis Depay confidently converted from the penalty spot to give the Netherlands a deserved three points.

Lloris was a large factor in why France were able to keep the deficit down to only two goals, having broken a French goalkeeping record despite the defeat, per OptaJean:

9 - Hugo Lloris made 9 saves against the Netherlands, a record for a goalkeeper with France in a single game in the last 10 years. Wall. pic.twitter.com/2okVKGtArV

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 16, 2018

Tottenham Hotspur's star won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with his national team in the summer but has shown some flagging form in the months since.

Nevertheless, the BBC's John Bennett backed up the statistics and lauded Lloris' performance:

Hugo Lloris gets plenty of publicity when he makes a mistake...

Tonight for France - even in defeat - he’s been outstanding.

— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) November 16, 2018

Friday's result left the Netherlands just one point behind Group A1 leaders France, who have played all their matches. A win would take them into first, but a draw would also be sufficient to advance after the 2-0 victory gave De Oranje a superior goal difference over Les Bleus.

It would represent a dramatic swing in the international power scales if the Netherlands were to suddenly tip the balance in their favour and advance to the finals after 2014 world champions Germany were relegated to League B, per Fox Sports:

The Netherlands' win over France means they have a chance to win Group 1 with a draw in Germany on Monday.

And Germany? They will join Poland and Iceland in League B. 😮 pic.twitter.com/7bBjpDkiNX

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 16, 2018

Lloris was not present in the France squad that drew 0-0 at Germany in their Nations League debut in September, but he and his team-mates will now rally behind Die Mannschaft if they want to make the finals.

France may be the defending world champions, but the Netherlands have earned results by refusing to show their group opponents respect and will hope to continue their form at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Monday.

It's a plan that's worked to good effect of late, but France will hope Germany are capable of giving them a goodbye present by beating the Dutch before they make the drop down to Nations League B.  

Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial have been withdrawn from the France squad for the upcoming fixtures against the Netherlands and Uruguay.

The news was confirmed by the French Football Federation (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) on Monday, with Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette and Tottenham Hotspur's Moussa Sissoko called up to replace the pair.

French football journalist Jeremy Smith also noted that Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy won't be involved:

Now it's Benjamin Mendy who has pulled out of the France squad!

Correctly replaced by namesake Ferland Mendy, who has been excellent so far this season for Lyon. https://t.co/cQQJNd4ZaY

— Jeremy Smith (@jeremysmith98) November 12, 2018

Per Coast, Pogba is suffering from a thigh problem, whereas Martial has a groin issue. The Red Devils players are said to have had a medical with the France team doctor Franck Le Gall, and neither was deemed fit enough to take part in the upcoming matches.

Pogba was left out of the United squad for Sunday's 3-1 loss against Manchester City after he picked up a knock against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Martial did play in that fixture and continued his excellent recent run in front of goal by scoring a penalty. 

Pogba was a key part of the team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup for France and has been a regular in the XI of manager Didier Deschamps for a while. Martial, by contrast, hasn't played for Les Bleus since March and was left out of the squad that tasted glory in Russia in the summer.

The youngster has bounced back well from that setback, and he is enjoying his best run in front of goal in a United shirt. 

With his penalty at City on Sunday, he netted for the fifth consecutive Premier League game for the Red Devils, an accomplishment that only some high-class players have managed for the Old Trafford club: 

Manchester United players to score in 5+ consecutive Premier League games:

Eric Cantona
Dwight Yorke
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Wayne Rooney
Cristiano Ronaldo
Robin van Persie
Anthony Martial

In very good company. pic.twitter.com/hTg0ODBcf1

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 11, 2018

Given the form he's in, Martial will be disappointed not to get a chance to show what he can do for France. Not only was he absent in the summer, but the nation is also blessed with many star attackers and a number of players capable of rivalling Martial for a spot in the side.

Pogba has also been enjoying an upturn in form recently, and after watching United overrun on Sunday by City in midfield, it's clear he's missed when he isn't available:

Pogba’s fingerprints are on just about every positive moment of United’s season. He, far more than De Bruyne, was the most significant absentee today. Maybe in his absence, he’ll be appreciated more.
Then again, maybe not https://t.co/zi3Sm3Kkkl

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) November 11, 2018

Sissoko will be pleased to get another chance with the national side following his recent renaissance at Tottenham. Lacazette, meanwhile, has been brilliant for Arsenal in the early weeks of the campaign, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League.

France are in action against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Friday in Rotterdam, before they return to Paris on Tuesday for a repeat of their World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay.

Laurent Koscielny has announced his decision to retire from international football, saying he was "forgotten about" by France manager Didier Deschamps and his former team-mates. 

The centre-back missed out on Les Bleus' FIFA World Cup win after he suffered a serious Achilles injury in May that he is still sidelined with.

Koscielny was asked by Canal+ (h/t MailOnline's Jonathan Spencer) if Deschamps had been monitoring his recovery and replied: "He [Deschamps] called me once for my birthday in September. Otherwise, no. Lots of people disappointed me. Not only the coach. It feels like a hit on the back of the head."

The Arsenal defender added:

"France's World Cup victory did me a lot more psychological damage than my injury did me.

"I think that I have given everything I can for France, I am 33, I have done two Euros, one World Cup. France has a great generation of great players now. My injury does not change my decision. For Les Bleus, it is finished. 

"When you are in good form, you have lots of friends. When you are injured, after a certain period of time, you are forgotten about."

Koscielny made his France debut in 2011 against the USA, and he went to make 51 appearances.

He featured for Les Bleus at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 and 2016 UEFA European Championships, helping them reach the final in the latter.

Per Goal, Koscielny had announced in a press conference last year that he intended to retire following the World Cup in Russia, though he would naturally have been hoping to attend it before suffering the injury.

Having missed out, the 33-year-old admitted that watching his compatriots lift the trophy was difficult (h/t Get French Football News): "I wanted them to qualify for the next round, and at the same time I wanted them to lose. It is a selfish side. Certain people will say: 'How could he want France to lose?' but that was my feeling in those particular moments."

French football writer Matt Spiro and Fox Sports' James Dodd commended the interview:

Powerful and amazingly honest interview with Koscielny on Canal+ on missing World Cup with injury. Admits part of him wanted #FRA to lose

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) October 14, 2018

Fascinating interview with Koscielny, particularly the part about wanting France to lose. As far as international careers go, his has been desperately unlucky. Let down by the officials in the final of Euro 2016 and cruelly missed out on a World Cup win this year. #France #AFC

— James Dodd (@JamesDodd89) October 15, 2018

With Koscielny's international career now at an end, his focus will be on returning to fitness for Arsenal.

Per Uche Amako of the Express, he'll return to full training with the Gunners in November.

If he returns on schedule, he may be able to help out the team during the busy festive period, when the ability to rotate will be vital to keep players fresh as the fixtures come thick and fast.

France nearly collapsed to a shock defeat to Iceland in an international friendly on Thursday, as the world champions drew 2-2 in Guingamp. 

The hosts dominated the ball in the first half but were punished after 30 minutes, with Birkir Bjarnason breaking the deadlock for the visitors.

France appeared perplexed as the teams left the field at half-time, but events were to get worse for coach Didier Deschamps' side.

Kari Arnason's header made it 2-0 to Iceland shortly before the hour mark, and a shocking result was on the cards.

The French pulled a goal back with four minutes remaining. Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson put the ball into his own net to offer the 2018 FIFA World Cup holders a late lifeline.

Kylian Mbappe rescued France in the final minute of the match, converting a penalty after Kolbeinn Sigborsson was punished for hand ball.

              

Ousmane Dembele Is Overrated

It developed into a complicated night for Deschamps' side, and the sum of their parts were lacking against an inferior opponent.

Iceland were beaten 6-0 in Switzerland recently, and their poor form was compounded with a 3-0 loss to Belgium.

France fielded a good team for this friendly encounter, but those with a chance to shine failed miserably.

Dembele is a young player who has carried a big reputation on his shoulders in recent years, and his huge transfer from Borrussia Dortmund to Barcelona earmarked him for superstardom.

Dembele cost the Blaugrana an initial fee of £86.8 million, rising to a potential £135.5 million, but the player does not display qualities that warrant such huge figures.

In his pre-match press conference, Deschamps said he expects more from Dembele, and he has not yet fulfilled his potential for Les Bleus, per Goal:

"We expect a lot from him."

France boss Didier Deschamps believes Ousmane Dembele's end product has improved and hopes the Barcelona man can keep it up.#FRA #FCB pic.twitter.com/VTVycBAF3P

— GOAL (@goal) October 11, 2018

The player has a bag of tricks at his disposal, but like Manchester United's Anthony Martial, Dembele lacks consistency and edge.

Dembele's effort shortly after the restart underlined the issues in his game, and his lack of potency was on show as he fired his shot into the watching crowd.

There's plenty of time for Dembele to improve his all-round game, but his current rating as a world-class player is wide of the mark.

The attacker has creativity, but he's not a superstar talent just yet.

                 

Paul Pogba Lacks the Killer Instinct of a World-Class Midfielder

Pogba's nomination for the 2018 Ballon d'Or came off the back of France's incredible success at Russia 2018, where the Manchester United midfielder hit peak form to drive his country to glory.

However, tonight was the player that's been seen at Old Trafford, often lacking the bite expected from a leader of the team.

France controlled proceedings for most of this friendly game, but Pogba could not move through the gears and influence the attack.

The player was substituted shortly after the hour mark, and it was another disappointing night for midfielder.

Against a side of Iceland's current quality, Pogba should be running the show. Instead, he's being substituted for a lack of intensity.

Mirror Football highlighted the moment Pogba exited the game:

65mins: France 0-2 Iceland

Pogba taken off

90 mins: France 2-2 Icelandhttps://t.co/2PQg8MFQUd pic.twitter.com/yqh2Scz45Y

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) October 11, 2018

Pogba should now be a much more reliable talent at 25, and his flashes of brilliance will not be enough to help his club or country win matches.

Iceland should have won this game with minutes left on the clock, but France fought back, with Pogba off the pitch.

As things stand, Pogba's legacy could be being remembered as a luxury player at the end of his career.

The Frenchman has to start delivering the consistency expected of any player that's considered world-class by supporters and fellow professionals. 

Paul Pogba has said he has found it hard to concentrate in a Manchester United shirt in 2018-19 after winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France in the summer.

The midfielder has been frustratingly inconsistent for United again this season, and he said he has struggled to refocus after Russia 2018, in which he played a key role in Les Bleus' triumph, per Agence France-Presse (h/t Tony Mogan of the Evening Standard):

"It's hard to concentrate, to start again, to hit hard, because we touched the stars. For us, it was the best trophy you can win as a footballer. But we like challenges, too. We have goals. For example, I've never won the Premier League, that's an objective. I'd like to do that."

Pogba's admission is a refreshing piece of honesty, but it is unlikely to be well received at Old Trafford, especially by manager Jose Mourinho.

The pair have not enjoyed the best of relationships so far this season.

Pogba seemed to criticise the Portuguese manager's style of play after a home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last month when he said United should "attack, attack, attack," per Richard Jolly of the Guardian.

Mourinho then said the 25-year-old had been stripped of the vice-captaincy before clarifying he never held it in the first place, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News.

It is clearly not a perfect relationship. But while Pogba has been poor on occasion this term, he has not been completely devoid of form.

His second-half showing last weekend against Newcastle United was crucial in the Red Devils winning 3-2 from 2-0 down, per Squawka:

Paul Pogba's game by numbers vs. Newcastle:

111 touches
90% pass accuracy
87 passes
6 shots
4 clearances
3 shots on target
3 aerial duels won
2 chances created
2 take-ons
2 tackles
1 assist

Serious second-half display. pic.twitter.com/8KU5Gh4csw

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 6, 2018

The former Juventus man is now with the France squad for their friendly with Iceland and UEFA Nations League meeting with Germany.

After the international break, United have crucial clashes against Chelsea and Juve in which Mourinho will likely be looking for signs that Pogba is fully focussed for his club as they aim to repair the damage of a poor opening to the season.

World champions France welcome Iceland to the Stade de Roudourou in Guingamp, as the pair face off in an international friendly on Thursday.

Les Bleus were excellent at Russia 2018, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final.

The visitors are struggling to find form after their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign and have suffered two demoralising defeats since the tournament. 

Iceland were thrashed 6-0 in the UEFA Nations League by Switzerland, followed by a 3-0 home defeat to Belgium.

                 

Date: Thursday, Oct. 11

Time: 8 p.m. (BST), 3 p.m. (ET)

Odds: France win: 2-13, Iceland win: 16-1, Draw: 6-1

Stream: ESPN+ (U.S)

Odds according to Oddschecker.

               

Preview

Expectations remain high for the French as they battle an Iceland side in a moment of crisis.

New coach Erik Hamren has watched his team concede nine goals without reply in the last two games, and it appears the Icelandic bubble has burst.

France are celebrating having five of their players on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist, with Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Hugo Lloris and N'Golo Kante all nominated for the accolade.

The acknowledgement shows the impact manager Didier Deschamps has had on his team, and the star individuals in his Les Bleus squad.

However, the France boss paid homage to one of his unsung heroes before their next match, highlighting the contribution of Chelsea's Olivier Giroud.

Goal shared Deschamps comments:

"He's often criticised and unfairly so."

France manager Didier Deschamps has hailed Olivier Giroud's importance to the national side.#FRA #CFC #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/rlBTtpoNMe

— GOAL (@goal) October 9, 2018

Per the Associated Press (h/t the MailOnline), Deschamps has called Dimitri Payet into his squad for the games against Iceland and Germany to replace midfielder Nabil Fekir, who suffered an ankle injury.

Payet was left out of the squad for the 2018 World Cup, but he now has a chance to show his coach his mercurial talent.

All eyes will be on Pogba, as doubts surrounding his relationship with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho continue to fill column inches across the planet.

The talisman appears more relaxed in a France shirt, and he will be grateful for the break from United's current woes in the Premier League.

Iceland remain the smallest nation to reach a World Cup finals, but there was disappointment as they finished bottom of Group D in Russia.

A solitary point was achieved after a 1-1 draw with Argentina, but defeats to Croatia and Nigeria ended their tournament.

Iceland had become many football fans' second-favourite team after their heroics at UEFA Euro 2016, as they defeated England to make the last eight.

However, two years is a long time in football, and they have lost their momentum after scoring just twice at Russia 2018.

This friendly could see an avalanche of goals for the French, with Mbappe carving through the Icelandic defence with ease.

The hosts have too much quality to be overly concerned by the visitors, and Hamren will want to avoid another hammering for his wounded side.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly set to splash out on some NBA-style rings for France's World Cup-winning squad.

According to Julien Laurens at ESPN FC, the rings will be "made of 11 carat diamonds with blue sapphires and red rubies."

The price of the rings has not been disclosed. However, president of the French Football Association Noel Le Graet has said the governing body is willing to pay €10,000 to transport the rings from Los Angeles to Paris, per the report.

Pogba was part of the 23-man squad that tasted glory at the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia. The team beat Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow to lift the trophy for the second time.

The midfielder, who scored in the final win, now appears keen to commemorate the victory. The players have already received a small replica of the World Cup trophy.

The rings are expected to be made in the United States by Californian jewellers Jason of Beverly Hills, per Laurens.

The company has already created rings for the Los Angeles Dodgers to commemorate their 2017 NLCS victory.

It also made rings for the Golden State Warriors after their 2015 NBA title win. According to Michael Hunt, special assistant to Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf, the rings reportedly cost $13,500 (£10,260) each, per the Mercury News' David DeBolt (h/t the Mirror's Jack Rathborn). Pogba could therefore end up paying over £236,000 for his gesture.

Pogba has endured a difficult season with Manchester United, which has seen him clash with manager Jose Mourinho and stripped of the club's vice-captaincy.

However, he remains a key figure for France and is a driving force on and off the pitch. France captain Hugo Lloris called him a "true leader" during the World Cup, per the Press Association (h/t the Daily Mail).

Paul Pogba has said he harbours no ambition to be captain of France ahead of the world champions' friendly against Iceland at the Stade de Roudourou in Guingamp on Thursday.

The Manchester United midfielder added that does not mean he cannot be influential on the pitch and picked out former Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo as a player who led by example, per L'Equipe (h/t Jack Davies of Goal):

"I have never played for France to be captain. Being here is already something big for me. You do not have to be a captain to speak. A leader is not someone who has the armband on. As a leader you can talk on the pitch, but I have seen leaders who do not necessarily speak.

"For example, Pirlo is a leader, but he will not speak a lot in the dressing room. He will be there on the pitch and show you the way. He is a true leader. The armband has never been a goal."

Pogba, 25, played a key role for France as they triumphed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in the summer.

As well as scoring in the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final, he showed a level of consistency in the middle of the park throughout the tournament that he has rarely displayed at United since returning to Old Trafford in 2016.

He has been unable to carry that form into the new 2018-19 club season, but he has made some crucial interventions in key matches, notably against Newcastle United last weekend, per Squawka:

Paul Pogba's game by numbers vs. Newcastle:

111 touches
90% pass accuracy
87 passes
6 shots
4 clearances
3 shots on target
3 aerial duels won
2 chances created
2 take-ons
2 tackles
1 assist

Serious second-half display. pic.twitter.com/8KU5Gh4csw

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 6, 2018

That has not prevented United from enduring a tough start to the campaign, though, and they sit eighth in the Premier League table, seven points back from leaders Manchester City.

Pogba has been at the heart of some off-field issues, with manager Jose Mourinho stripping him of the vice-captaincy last month before saying he never had the role in the first place, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News.

United will return to action with a crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea after the international break before taking on Juve in the UEFA Champions League on October 23.

In the interim, France have a friendly with Iceland and then a mouthwatering UEFA Nations League Group A1 clash against Germany, for which Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps will hope Pogba can rediscover his World Cup form.

Antoine Griezmann has called for an end to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's 10-year monopoly of the Ballon d'Or, saying one of France's 2018 FIFA World Cup winners should take the award this year. 

Six members of the triumphant Les Blues squad, including Griezmann, have been included among the 30 nominees for the prestigious award, and the Atletico Madrid forward believes one of them deserves it given what France achieved in the summer, per France Football (h/t Goal's James Westwood):

"We are world champions, we're part of the best team in the world. In this best team in the world, there must be the best player in the world, right? In any case, that's what I think. Afterwards, there are votes, opinions, different judgements. But I think that a Frenchman must win the Ballon d'Or this year."

Griezmann, 27, added it's his "dream" to win the Ballon d'Or as "there are only star players, only legends among the winners."

N'Golo Kante, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Griezmann all impressed at Russia 2018.

30 names.

One winner. pic.twitter.com/cPEdJXmfAm

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 9, 2018

Of the six, arguably Griezmann and Mbappe have the best chance of claiming the award as they both had success with their club sides in 2018—Atletico Madrid won the UEFA Europa League and Paris Saint-Germain a domestic treble. 

The Ballon d'Or voting also invariably favours attacking players with Fabio Cannavaro the only defensive player to claim the award in the last two decades.

However, Messi and Ronaldo, who have each won the Ballon d'Or five times in the last 10 years, are both also front-runners with Luka Modric.

The Croatian is favourite with the bookies after winning a third consecutive UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid before leading his nation to the World Cup final, where they lost 4-2 to France.

Odds to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or (@betonline_ag):

Luka Modric -195
Cristiano Ronaldo +175
Kylian Mbappe +500
Antoine Griezmann +1000
Lionel Messi +1600
Mohamed Salah +2000
Neymar +3300
Harry Kane +3300
Kevin De Bruyne +5000
Paul Pogba +5000
Eden Hazard +5000
Gareth Bale +5000

— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) October 9, 2018

Modric has already claimed the FIFA Golden Ball award, the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award and the Best FIFA Men's Player award in 2018, a good indicator that he will also snap up the Ballon d'Or.

It seems that Messi and Ronaldo's stranglehold on the gong will finally be broken this year, but by a World Cup runner-up rather than winner.  

Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud saw France beat the Netherlands at the Stade de France on Sunday in the UEFA Nations League.

Mbappe handed the world champions a deserved lead in Paris after 14 minutes before Ryan Babel punished Les Bleus for not taking their other chances when he equalised against the run of play in the 67th minute.

Giroud volleyed home Benjamin Mendy's cross seven minutes later to give France the victory, though, sending them three points clear at the top of League A, Group 1.

                                

Ruthless Streak Bodes Well for France's Future

Les Bleus were making their first outing back on French soil since winning the FIFA World Cup in July, and they could have been forgiven for resting on their laurels somewhat amid the party atmosphere inside the Stade de France.

However, Didier Deschamps' side seemed determined to put on a show for the home crowd and displayed all the confidence you'd expect from the newly crowned world champions.

The French were dominant from the outset, playing with intensity and a quick tempo.

Their pressure was rewarded inside a quarter of an hour after the Netherlands failed to clear their lines, allowing Blaise Matuidi to cut across for Mbappe to convert from close range.

Andy Scott of the Agence France-Presse was impressed:

France certainly in the mood tonight. Mbappé absolutely thrilling at times

— Andy Scott (@andpscott) September 9, 2018

France's control of the contest was evident even by half-time, per Squawka Football:

France 1-0 Netherlands HT:

Shots: 10-2
Pass accuracy: 93%-87%
Chances created: 9-2
Possession: 62%-37%@smarkets show the world champions are clear favourites from here - https://t.co/2xj7OCtZ4j pic.twitter.com/lJVS9Y9QKv

— Squawka (@Squawka) September 9, 2018

Despite a short spell of trouble in the second half, it was very much a deserved victory.

The performance and the desire bode well for Les Bleus, who showed resilience to get back in front after the setback and could have scored many more on another day.

They may have won football's biggest prize, but they're still a young, hungry side eager to build on their success rather than live on it.

                    

Gulf in Class Shows Size of Task Netherlands Face

A historical giant of European football in years gone by, the Netherlands would have been an opponent to fear even on home soil.

However, the Oranje have fallen far since reaching the World Cup final in 2010, and aside from a brief spell of pressure around Babel's goal, they spent much of the contest pinned back in their own half by a superior France side.

Although they looked to counter where possible, they rarely troubled France's back line.

OptaJohan noted the difference between the two sides at half-time:

7 - The Netherlands conceded seven shots on target in the first half v France, their highest in a half since the second half v France in August 2017 (8): They failed to have a single shot on target themselves. Overrun.

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 9, 2018

Indeed, as Opta further noted, the visitors hadn't mustered a shot on target until Babel's goal.

The Netherlands were unfortunate not to be awarded a first-half penalty when Benjamin Pavard brought down Georginio Wijnaldum, but overall, they produced very little quality for most of the match.

The Oranje have a top-class player in Virgil van Dijk and some rising stars in the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, but they're a long way off returning to the status they once enjoyed.

Drawing France and Germany in the Nations League has done them no favours, and it will be an enormous achievement if they can avoid relegation from League A.

                                  

What's Next

France face Iceland in a friendly in October's international break before taking on Germany for a second time in the UEFA Nations League.

The Netherlands will face Die Mannschaft before a friendly with Belgium.