Published: 09:59, October 14, 2023 | Updated: 17:00, October 14, 2023
Mbappe shines as France qualify for Euros with Portugal, Belgium
By Reuters

France's Kylian Mbappe (center right) is challenged by Netherlands' Denzel Dumfries during the Euro 2024 group B qualifying soccer match between The Netherlands and France at the Johan Cruyff ArenA stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Oct 13, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

PARIS - France's Kylian Mbappe rediscovered his touch in spectacular fashion as he grabbed a double to lead his side to a 2-1 away win against an injury-ravaged Netherlands and early qualification for Euro 2024 on Friday.

The World Cup runners-up, who will be joined in the June 14-July 14 tournament in Germany by Portugal and Belgium as one of the first three teams to qualify, kept a perfect record in Group B with six wins.

Portugal have also won all their matches in Group J after Goncalo Ramos's goal and a double by Cristiano Ronaldo earned them a 3-2 home victory against Slovakia in Group J.

READ MORE: Spain's 2-0 victory leaves champagne on ice for Scotland

Belgium went through in Group F with a 3-2 win away to Austria, who would themselves have qualified with a victory, as Dodi Lukebakio scored twice before Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the points after the break.

At the Johan Cruijff Arena, France were comfortable for more than 80 minutes, even if a couple of mistakes by goalkeeper Mike Maignan could have cost them dearly.

Mbappe, who left the training camp for a day for personal reasons this week, volleyed home in the seventh minute from Jonathan Clauss's perfect cross before pointing to the sky with both hands.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo vies for the ball with Slovakia's Milan Skriniar (right) during the Euro 2024 group J qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Slovakia at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Oct 13, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

France, who have not missed a Euros since 1988, next face Scotland in a friendly next week while the Netherlands travel to Greece for their next qualifier on Monday

It came as a relief for Mbappe, who had not scored in his last four competitive outings.

"I'm not one to worry, and especially not about Kylian. He showed today there was nothing to worry about," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

"When he's like this obviously France have more chances to win."

Sublime shot

Les Bleus allowed the hosts to gain a bit of confidence before the interval but Mbappe made sure there would be no comeback eight minutes into the second half.

ALSO READ: UK, Ireland to host Euro 2028; Italy, Türkiye get Euro 2032

The 24-year-old, who has had an inconsistent start to the season with Paris St Germain, collected a subtle layoff from Adrien Rabiot before curling a sublime shot into the far top corner from the edge of the box for his 42nd international goal.

It took him past France great Michel Platini into fourth place on the national team's all-time top scorers list behind Olivier Giroud (54) Thierry Henry (51) and Antoine Griezmann (44).

France's Kylian Mbappe (center left) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Euro 2024 group B qualifying soccer match between The Netherlands and France at the Johan Cruyff ArenA stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Oct 13, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Griezmann was playing a record-extending 81st consecutive game for France.

The Netherlands were without Cody Gakpo, Jurrien Timber, Sven Botman, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Mark Flekken, Memphis Depay, Noa Lang, Teun Koopmeiners, Tyrell Malacia, and Steven Berghuis because of injuries.

READ MORE: Mbappe leads PSG to 2-0 home win against Borussia Dortmund

They reduced the arrears through Quilindschy Hartman in the 83rd minute with the 21-year-old's first goal on his debut, and it was the first goal France conceded in the qualifying campaign.

"We're happy with the result but it's true that our goal was not to concede so it's like a stain on our performance. We're aiming for perfection," midfielder Rabiot said.

Belgium's Mandele Keita (left) challenges for the ball with Austria's Kevin Danso (top) and Austria's Alexander Prass during the Euro 2024 group F qualifying soccer match between Austria and Belgium at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria, Oct 13, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Greece boosted their qualifying hopes with a 2-0 win in Ireland to take second place in the group on 12 points, three ahead of the Netherlands who have a game in hand.

ALSO READ: Haaland's 25th goal helps keep Norway in Euro 2024 hunt

France, who have not missed a Euros since 1988, next face Scotland in a friendly next week while the Netherlands travel to Greece for their next qualifier on Monday.