Match Summary

In their Euro 2024 opener, France secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria, thanks to an own goal by Max Wober, inadvertently set up by Kylian Mbappé's incisive wing play. Despite several missed opportunities by Mbappé and his teammates, France managed to hold off Austria, who were resilient but unable to capitalize on their chances. The match also saw Mbappé involved in a late collision, adding to the tension before the final whistle.

Match Analysis

France's performance against Austria in their Euro 2024 opening match was a testament to their tactical resilience and individual quality, despite not being at their most fluent. The French side, led by Didier Deschamps, relied heavily on their ability to exploit moments of brilliance, particularly from Kylian Mbappé, whose dynamic play on the wings was crucial, albeit the match's only goal came from an Austrian error.

The game was characterized by a disciplined Austrian team that managed to contain France's attacking threats for large periods. Ralf Rangnick's side was well-organized defensively, and they employed a high pressing game which occasionally troubled the French midfield. However, France's quality was evident in their ability to create chances even under pressure. This was highlighted in the 37th minute when Mbappé's pace and agility allowed him to bypass defenders and send in a cross that led to Wober's own goal.

France's tactical setup saw them using the width of the pitch effectively. Deschamps' decision to deploy Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the flanks provided width and stretched the Austrian defense, creating spaces in the central areas which were exploited by the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Adrien Rabiot. However, France's finishing was less than clinical, with Mbappé, in particular, missing a clear opportunity after the break that could have doubled their lead.

Defensively, France was solid for most of the game, though Austria did have their moments. Christoph Baumgartner's attempt in the 36th minute could have changed the complexion of the game had it not been for a sharp save from Mike Maignan. The French defense, marshaled by Dayot Upamecano and Jules Koundé, was generally well-organized, managing to neutralize most of the Austrian threats.

The midfield battle was also a key aspect of this encounter, with N'Golo Kanté's return to international football providing a significant boost. His ability to recover possession and initiate plays was vital, especially in a game that saw France not dominating possession as they might have liked. Kanté's partnership with Rabiot helped in maintaining a balance between attack and defense, allowing the team to transition smoothly.

Substitutions made by both teams also had an impact on the game's dynamics. France's introduction of Randal Kolo Muani and Eduardo Camavinga added fresh legs and energy, which was crucial in maintaining the intensity of their game in the closing stages. Austria's strategic changes, including the introduction of Marko Arnautovic, were aimed at enhancing their attacking options, but France's defensive resilience held firm.

The closing stages of the match saw France dealing with some nervy moments, notably after Mbappé's collision which led to him being temporarily sidelined. The incident could have potentially disrupted France's defensive organization, but they managed to hold on without conceding.

Overall, while France will be relieved to have secured three points, the narrow scoreline and the nature of the goal will be areas of concern for Deschamps. The team's inability to convert chances into goals could be critical in tighter matches, and improvements would be necessary if they are to go deep into the tournament. On the other hand, Austria's performance, despite the loss, should give them confidence moving forward, having shown that they can compete against top-tier teams.

Looking ahead, France's upcoming match against the Netherlands will be a significant test, and it will require a more polished performance, both offensively and defensively. The tactical battle between Deschamps and his Dutch counterpart could very well dictate the pace and nature of France's campaign in this tournament.

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