Kylian Mbappé got a brief run in France’s final Euro 2024 warmup, a 0-0 draw with Canada. Entering in the 74th minute, Mbappé couldn’t spark a late win. He had played the full match against Luxembourg, scoring in a 3-0 win, his first game since transferring from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid.
In Bordeaux, the game was also notable as Olivier Giroud’s last home match for France. The striker, who is moving to Los Angeles FC, will retire from international play after Euro 2024. France kicks off the tournament on June 17 against Austria, with Mbappé expected to play a key role despite missing some training due to fitness concerns.
Defending European champion Italy secured a 1-0 home victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Davide Frattesi’s 38th-minute volley was the difference in Empoli. Italy, which won Euro 2020 but missed the last two World Cups, starts its Euro 2024 campaign on Saturday against Albania. Group B also includes Spain and Croatia, both coming off big wins—Spain hammered Northern Ireland 5-1, and Croatia edged Portugal 2-1.
Mbappe was caught in a recent Euro 2024 controversy by making a statement stating the importance of Euro 2024 was bigger and more challenging than the World Cup 2023. This statement was quickly noted by Argentina, the winner of WC 2023.
In other action, Slovakia routed Wales 4-0, piling pressure on Wales manager Rob Page. Goals from Juraj Kucka, Robert Bozenik, and Laszlo Benes, plus an own-goal by Ethan Ampadu, sealed the win. Slovakia’s Euro 2024 journey begins June 17 against Belgium, with Group E also featuring Romania and Ukraine.
Montenegro fell 3-1 at home to Georgia, a tune-up for Georgia’s Group F competition with Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech Republic.
