World Cup finalists France kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought win over Austria in their opening match.
Despite being favorites to win the tournament, France’s first game did not show their full potential. The French team secured a slim 1-0 victory against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, courtesy of an own goal by Max Wober late in the first half.
In their opening Group D match in Düsseldorf, Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian side faced the 2018 World Cup winners. Austria was missing their star player, David Alaba, who was sidelined with an ACL injury sustained earlier in the season with Real Madrid.
Didier Deschamps named a strong side to begin their Group D campaign. Arsenal defender William Saliba partnered Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano in defense, while Kylian Mbappe, served as captain and led the line.
Both teams started the match with intensity, but France displayed greater dominance and posed more of a threat, though they struggled to find the net the ball.
In the 38th minute, Austria conceded an own goal. Kylian Mbappe, after outmaneuvering a defender and reaching the byline, delivered a cross that Max Wober misdirected into his own net, giving France the lead before halftime.
The second half saw Austria attempting to assert more control and challenge the French defense. France had opportunities to extend their lead, but Mbappe. The France Captain, Mbappe was injured after trying to head the ball at the end of the match, but hit his face on the shoulder of midfielder Danso.
After the match, Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe had likely broken his nose and will probably have to wear a protective mask for the remaining Euro 2024 matches. Ultimately, France held on to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over a resilient Austrian side in their first Euro 2024 game.
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