Anthony Taylor to Referee France vs Netherlands in Euro 2024
The much-anticipated Euro 2024 match between France and the Netherlands will see Anthony Taylor, an experienced English referee, officiating. Taylor will be joined by his compatriots Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as assistants, with Stuart Attwell handling video assistance. Taylor is a familiar face to both teams, having officiated several of their matches in the past.
France's national team, led by Didier Deschamps, has a mixed record under Taylor's officiating, with three wins and two losses in five matches. Taylor was notably the referee for the Nations League final in 2021, where France triumphed over Spain 2-1, a match remembered for a contentious offside decision involving Kylian Mbappé.
Kylian Mbappé's Injury and Impact on Upcoming Match
In a recent Euro 2024 match against Austria, Kylian Mbappé, one of the world's most valuable footballers, suffered a broken nose. The incident occurred in the 86th minute when Mbappé collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed that Mbappé was taken to a local hospital, where X-rays confirmed the break. Mbappé will not require immediate surgery but will undergo treatment and wear a mask to potentially resume play.
This injury casts doubt on Mbappé's participation in France's crucial Group D match against the Netherlands. Coach Didier Deschamps expressed uncertainty about Mbappé's fitness but emphasized that the team would continue to fight with or without him. Mbappé's presence is significant for the French team, having scored 47 goals in 80 games for the national team and contributing to the winning goal against Austria.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, have a favorable record with Taylor officiating, boasting three wins and one draw. The last France-Netherlands match officiated by Taylor in November 2018 ended in a 2-0 defeat for France.
- Anthony Taylor's history with both teams adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming match. While France has had mixed results under his refereeing, the Netherlands have generally fared well.
- Kylian Mbappé's injury is a significant blow to the French team, and his potential absence could impact their performance against the Netherlands. The team's medical staff is working diligently to ensure his swift recovery.
- Kevin Danso, the Austrian defender involved in the collision, has publicly apologized to Mbappé, wishing him a speedy recovery. This incident highlights the physical demands and risks associated with high-stakes football matches.
