By Can Erozden
ANKARA (AA) - Kylian Mbappe-led France dominated the Netherlands 4-0 to make a flying start to their UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign Friday.
France's new captain scored two goals, including a late strike against the Dutch national team to be one of the key players in the French victory in a Group B match at Saint-Denis' Stade de France.
Les Bleus finished the job early. French forward Antoine Griezmann scored the opener with a left-footed strike in the second minute and teammate Dayot Upamecano doubled the gap six minutes later after a mistake by goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
In minute 21, Mbappe ran inside the penalty area and finished in the penalty box after a killer through ball by Aurelien Tchouameni. The Dutch defense failed after French forward Randal Kolo Muani skipped over. Mbappe was unmarked to beat Cillessen in a one-on-one.
France went into the break with a 3-0 lead.
The crowd at Stade de France were again rampant after Mbappe scored on a solo-effort goal to seal the match in the 88th minute.
Near the end of the match, the Netherlands' experienced forward Memphis Depay missed a penalty, giving the Dutch a frustrating result.
Mbappe had a perfect start to his captaincy after scoring twice and an assist to Griezmann.
France will visit Ireland in Dublin on Monday, while the Netherlands will host Gibraltar in Rotterdam.
- Friday's results:
Group B
France - the Netherlands: 4-0
Gibraltar - Greece: 0-3
Group E
Czech Republic - Poland: 3-1
Moldova - Faroe Islands: 1-1
Group F
Sweden - Belgium: 0-3
Austria - Azerbaijan: 4-1
Group G
Bulgaria - Montenegro: 0-1
Serbia - Lithuania: 2-0
- Saturday's fixtures:
Group A
Scotland vs. Greek Cypriot administration
Spain vs. Norway
Group D
Armenia vs. Türkiye
Croatia vs. Wales
Group I
Belarus vs. Switzerland
Israel vs. Kosovo
Andorra vs. Romania