France got the better of Austria in the Group D encounter at the UEFA Euro Cup 2024. An own goal from Maximilian Wober proved to be the difference between the two nations as the matchup provided a conservative affair for the supporters. The victory takes France to second place in the group, behind their next opponents, the Netherlands.
Ralf Rangnick and Austria, on the other hand, will be facing Poland in Berlin on Friday in a must-win game for both countries. Austria will be disappointed with their lack of consistent attacking threat while the French will be worried due to their visible discomfort in front of the goal. The evergreen N’Golo Kante was adjudged the Man of the Match for his extraordinary midfield show.
Kylian Mbappe proves to be the difference maker for France once again
The latest Real Madrid galactico played a key role in what turned out to be the only and decisive goal of the match. Although the 25-year-old was far from his best level against Austria, Kylian Mbappe once again highlighted his ability to change the course of the game within a single course of play. Shifting to the right side of the attack, Mbappe used a quick change of pace to get away from his man and deliver a dangerous cross into the box which was ultimately headed in by Maximilian Wober in his own net.
Kylian Mbappe had the chance to get his name on the scoresheet with a wonderful opening in front of Austria’s goal, only to somehow send the ball wide of the net. The French captain continues to wait for his first European championship goal. The end of the match saw the superstar exit the game due to a bleeding nose, which might cause concerns regarding his participation in France’s next game.
Austria could not persist with their high-press
Ralf Rangnick displayed a lot of courage at the beginning of the game with a high counterpress. The French were in all sorts of trouble in the first half, evident from the number of turnovers close to their goal. Rangnick’s 3-1-6 formation helped Austria to adopt an aggressive approach that nearly reaped them rewards on more than one occasion.
As the game settled and stabilized, Austrian players were visibly tired and lost the essence of their gegenpressing. France, consequently, benefitted from the sustained spells of possession. Austria barely posed a threat after the interval, owing to fatigue and the lack of individual quality in the final third. Coach Ralf Rangnick will need to come up with a more optimal game plan in the next two games to keep their Euro Cup journey alive.