France held on to a narrow 1-0 win against a determined Austrian side in the opening match of their EURO 2024 campaign, at the Dusseldorf Arena on Monday, June 17th.
The clash between two European heavyweights lived up to its expectations, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience throughout the 90 minutes.
It was France who took the early initiative, with Kylian Mbappe causing constant problems for the Austrian backline. The new Real Madrid forward saw his early effort in the 9th minute tipped around the post by Patrick Pentz, as the Austria goalkeeper kept his side in the game.
However, the breakthrough for France eventually came in the 36th minute, and it was Mbappe who was the creator. The French superstar’s inviting cross into the box was headed by Austria’s Maximillian Wober into his net, giving France the lead against the run of play.
Wober’s own goal is the second so far at this year’s Euros, after Germany defender Antonio Rudiger’s in his side’s 5-1 win over Scotland in the Euro opening match on Friday, June 14th.
Austria, led by the experienced Ralf Rangnick, refused to throw in the towel and grew in confidence as the match progressed. They created several threatening opportunities, with Christoph Baumgartner’s close-range effort in the first half being brilliantly saved by Mike Maignan, ensuring France went into halftime leading 1-0.
In the second half, Didier Deschamps’ side pushed for a second, and Mbappe had a golden opportunity to double the lead early in the 55th minute, but missed a one-on-one golden opportunity.
Austria pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages of the game, but Alexander Prass’ header sailed wide off the target, as France held on to secure all three points and extend their impressive unbeaten record in European Championship openers.
Then, substitute Olivier Giroud missed another huge chance in added time, but France held on for victory, which marked Didier Deschamps’ 100th win as France’s coach in 154 games, further cementing his legacy as one of the most successful managers in the country’s history.
France will be pleased with the three points, but Deschamps is aware that his side will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to edge past Group D leaders the Netherlands, who they face next on Friday, 21st June, a match that will be live on NBS Sport.
Ralf Rangnick’s men will hope their pressing style will be to their advantage, when they face Poland earlier that day, both sides coming from losses in their opening fixtures at this year’s Euros.
