Euro 2024: France hold out against Austria
Austria 0 - 1 France
France began their tournament with a composed 1-0 victory over a spirited Austria. The match was decided by a first-half own goal.
Didier Deschamps’ team played within their capabilities, exploiting Austria’s right-side defence whenever Kylian Mbappé, who finished the game with a broken nose, accelerated down the wing.
Starting slowly and conserving energy, this French team displayed their confidence and experience. Not much has changed since the 2022 World Cup. They maintained their familiar 4-3-3 formation, embodying Deschamps' philosophy with athleticism and technical prowess in every position. Mbappé remains a constant threat, always poised to deliver a decisive moment.
France’s manager will be pleased with the midfield control offered by Adrien Rabiot and the dynamic performance of N’Golo Kanté, who rolled back the years with his display.
By the end of the match, one thing was evident: France remains the team to beat. Their victory seems almost inevitable at these Euros, barring any significant disruptions.
Austria's passionate supporters gave their team a thunderous reception after the final whistle, though they expressed their frustration with referee Manzano over a critical first-half decision.
Ralf Rangnick's men gave their all and created some chances, but lacked the quality to capitalise, a shortcoming that ultimately cost them the match. They can take pride in their efforts to compete with France, even if they fell short.
France were not at their best, but veteran N'Golo Kante delivered a magnificent individual performance after two years away from the international stage. He helped his team do enough to defeat a determined Austria, setting the stage for the crucial Group D game against old rivals, the Netherlands, on Friday.
How was Mbappe?
Mbappe, who had a first-half shot saved by Austria's goalkeeper Patrick Pentz, missed a great opportunity in the second half. Despite showing incredible speed to get past Wober, he couldn't capitalise and shot wide with the goal at his mercy, leaving him in disbelief. His injury, later in the match, will also be a concern now.
MBAPPE MISSES A CLEAR ONE-ON-ONE CHANCE FOR FRANCE 😳 pic.twitter.com/2Ief8BiPMa
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2024
Did you watch the match?
William, a Liverpool fan watching as a neutral, remarked: "If there’s such a thing as a bad victory, that’s what France achieved. They lost their star player to injury, squandered great chances, and relied on an own goal to win."
Paul, a Brighton fan, enjoyed the match but shared his thoughts: "How many more tournaments will France be the clear favourites? With their young talent, I don’t see them slowing down anytime soon."
Jon, a French supporter, praised their standout player: "N’Golo Kanté has incredible stamina. The defensive cover he provided in the second half was so reassuring. When you see him sprinting to make a tackle, you can relax knowing he’ll get there. He’s relentless."
