Audio By Carbonatix
Kylian Mbappe scored his first goals as France captain as the World Cup finalists began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a comfortable win against the Netherlands.
The hosts were ahead after just two minutes when Antoine Griezmann curled in from Mbappe's pass.
Defender Dayot Upamecano made it 2-0 six minutes later as he bundled in.
Mbappe then got his 37th goal for France when he drove in, before powering home his second late on.
Griezmann had reportedly been unhappy at being overlooked for the captaincy role given to Mbappe, but there were no signs of friction between the pair as they celebrated Mbappe's first of the night in the 21st minute.
The Paris St-Germain striker's second two minutes from time was a stunning solo effort as he left the Dutch players falling over in an attempt to block his shot before thumping a finish into the bottom corner.
Memphis Depay had the chance of a consolation deep in stoppage time for the visitors, but his penalty was saved.
That capped a frustrating first game for Ronald Koeman in his second spell as Netherlands boss, although his cause was not helped by a flu virus that led to five players being sent home on the eve of the game.
Defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Sven Botman, forward Cody Gakpo, midfielder Joey Veerman and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had all contracted the illness.
France though were kept off the top of their group by Austria, for who Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer scored twice in a 4-1 triumph against Azerbaijan.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s treat persons with disabilities right – GHS staff  urged
30 minutes -
Soldiers in Benin say they have seized power from President Talon
38 minutes -
Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory
57 minutes -
Soldiers on Benin’s national television claim to have seized power
1 hour -
Premier Tennis Club organizes Tema Farmers’ Day Tournament
1 hour -
Liberia, South Africa ex-First Ladies attend Lordina Foundation’s 5th health screening for retired ministers
1 hour -
KGL Foundation partners Premier Tennis club to celebrate Farmers’ Day
2 hours -
Adrobaa crowned winners as Milo U13 Championship makes grand return
2 hours -
NAIMOS seizes excavators and shuts down illegal Riverbank mining in Eastern Region
4 hours -
NAIMOS dismantles illegal foreign mining network along the Bia River
4 hours -
Zelensky signals progress in talks with US on peace plan
5 hours -
Policemen assaulted in Jirapa; AK-47 rifles stolen
7 hours -
Bibiani tragedy: Toddler killed by moving Toyota Pickup
7 hours -
Don’t scrap OSP – Anti-corruption CSO demands review
9 hours -
GIS, EU vow closer security cooperation to boost northern border control
9 hours
