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
-
3rd Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair Clinic ends on a high note after three days of strong patronage
19 seconds -
Ten climbers missing after avalanche hits Himalayan base camp
37 minutes -
NPP had more permanent fuel relief measures than current GH¢2 diesel cut – Amin Adam
1 hour -
Photos from the 3rd Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair Clinic
1 hour -
Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war
1 hour -
Amin Adam calls for review of fuel taxes as diesel prices remain above GH¢18
2 hours -
World Vision Ghana, Ahafo districts sign MoU for universal WASH coverage
2 hours -
When the gold engine stutters: What Ghana’s Cedi and reserves are telling us about the new economic architecture
3 hours -
Two reportedly die after being trapped in mining pit at Juaboso
3 hours -
Petrosol cleans up Wa Municipal Hospital, to donate medical equipment
3 hours -
‘If NPP was ‘insensitive’ over fuel prices, NDC must accept same description now’ — Amin Adam
3 hours -
KiDi brings the hits to London in sold-out UK headline concert
3 hours -
The last goodbye of Ghanaian shot dead in the US
3 hours -
MCC opens door to Ghana again as MiDA revives development partnership
4 hours -
CSIR moves to turn scientific research into jobs, national growth
4 hours