Didier Deschamps’ France failed to secure first place in their group at a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2012, as they were punished for squandering numerous scoring opportunities.
“We’ve achieved our primary objective,” said Deschamps. “Even though we didn’t secure the spot we aimed for, finishing second. A new phase of the competition is about to begin.”
Austria, who had lost their opening match to France, clinched a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands to secure a spot in the round of 16 and relegate their already-qualified opponents to third place in Group D.
France largely dominated against Poland but managed only two goals so far in Germany: an own goal by Austria’s Maximilian Woeber and a penalty by Mbappe.
Les Bleus will face the runner-up from Group E, where Belgium, Ukraine, Romania, and Slovakia all have three points, in the round of 16.
Wearing a protective mask after breaking his nose against Austria, Kylian Mbappe had two excellent chances denied by Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski in the first half.
Mbappe eventually broke his scoreless streak in the Euros with a penalty in the 56th minute, following a foul on Ousmane Dembele by Jakub Kiwior inside the box.
Poland equalized with a penalty of their own in the 77th minute, awarded for a foul on Karol Swiderski. While Robert Lewandowski’s initial attempt was saved, he successfully converted the retake after the referee ruled that the French goalkeeper had strayed off his line.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands fans illuminated Berlin in orange as their team continued to shine in the tournament. However, it was the Austrians who celebrated early on as Donyell Malen inadvertently scored an own goal.
Malen’s fortunes turned worse when he missed a clear chance from inside the penalty area.
The Netherlands quickly equalized after the break through Cody Gakpo, but Austria regained the lead when Romano Schmid’s header took a deflection off Stefan de Vrij.
Despite Memphis Depay’s equalizer, Austria secured victory with Marcel Sabitzer’s goal in the 81st minute, setting up a match against Turkey, the Czech Republic, or Georgia as they aim to reach their first quarter-finals.
The Netherlands will face the winners of Group B, C, or E.
Italy’s title defense remained alive thanks to Mattia Zaccagni’s late equalizer against Croatia, securing a thrilling 1-1 draw in Leipzig. Spain finished the group stage with a perfect record after defeating Albania 1-0, sending them home from the Euros.
Italy advanced to the round of 16 and will face Switzerland in the next round after finishing second in Group B with four points, five behind Spain.
Croatia, who took the lead through Luka Modric’s historic goal, are on two points and are on the brink of elimination, needing favorable results to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
“It’s difficult to find words after losing like this,” said Modric, whose goal made him the oldest scorer in Euros history at 38 years and 289 days old.
