Euro 2024: France wins 1-0 over Austria

Dusseldorf (Germany): The Austrians By Defender Maximilian Wober France began their pursuit of glory at Euro 2024 with a 1-0 opening win after Kylian Mbappe headed a cross into his own net. Despite starting their campaign with a win, Didier Deschamps’ side suffered a setback as Mbappe was ruled out of the match with a possible broken nose. Mbappe collided with Kevin Danso’s shoulder while heading the ball during the second half. The forward was given treatment on the field, with a lot of blood on his face, and then left the field as France looked to replace him with Olivier Giroud.

France found Austria a determined opponent from the start. Yet, superb interplay from the left gave them the first chance of the game in the eighth minute, Mbappe was set free by Adrien Rabiot and forced goalkeeper Patrick Pentz into a low save at his near post. Shortly after, Theo Hernandez sent in a cross near the byline, but Austria’s intensity held out the French forwards. Ralf Rangnick’s side almost took the lead when Marcel Sabitzer flicked Michael Gregoritsch’s cross to Christoph Baumgartner, whose shot was parried by Mike Maignan.

Instead, it was France who scored first moments later, Mbappe’s quick feet finding him space on the right for a cross that the unfortunate Wöber headed into his own net. The France captain missed a great opportunity to double the lead in the second half, curling wide after hitting the ball over the top to Wöber. Austria pressed their case, creating space for France’s forwards to take advantage. Antoine Griezmann narrowly missed sliding in from a cross, and Marcus Thuram had a shot saved. Ultimately, France’s only goal and stout defence earned them the points.