Frantic Austria secures the victory for France
In the high-spirited UEFA European Football Championship match, France took on Austria. Despite a self-inflicted goal by Ralf Rangnick's team, France prevailed due to their grit and determination. Kylian Mbappé missed a significant scoring opportunity, but the Austrians showed their strength.
Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann both sustained injuries, yet France, the clear favorites, managed to outperform Rangnick's Austrians in their challenging opening game in Duesseldorf. The French team has ample room for improvement, as they secured a 1-0 victory against the suspected underdogs on Monday. Maximilian Wöber's goal for Borussia Monchengladbach gave the French a crucial advantage in a physically demanding match. There were worries about Mbappé, who was bleeding from his nose before being substituted near the end.
The 1984 and 2000 European champions are set to face a heated competition against the Netherlands later this week without the anticipated intense pressure. The build-up to the game has been overshadowed by the political debate in France. Mbappé described the current situation in France, following the right-wing shift in the European elections, as "a crucial moment in French history" on Sunday. Some questioned whether the vice-world champion would approach the EM start and the tournament itself with the necessary seriousness.
Leipzig player almost scores for Austria
However, Mbappé's announced political stance prior to the game did not materialize, and the favorites started strongly. The star-studded French team displayed their immense pace and skill throughout the game. The resourceful Austrians, who were seen as potential wildcards, struggled early on.
The Austrian team managed to threaten France in the first half, but only had their first real chance in the 37th minute. It was a golden opportunity! Captain Marcel Sabitzer, who set a record as the most capped Austrian player in European Championships, provided for Christoph Baumgartner. The Leipzig player found himself unmarked in front of the charging Mike Maignan, and the French goalkeeper from former champions AC Milan made a heroic save to prevent a corner.
This critical error had repercussions. Shortly after, Gladbach's Wöber unintentionally headed the ball into his own net from a Mbappé cross. The French team deserved their lead going into halftime, having held their own against the passionate Austrians. This was also thanks to the efforts of the French team's superstar. Ten minutes after the break, the quick Mbappé outran Kevin Danso, a former Fortuna Dusseldorf defender, and Wöber, but could not control the ball effectively in front of the goal.
A tough match for France
The unlucky Wöber was soon replaced by Gernot Trauner from Feyenoord Rotterdam. With three substitutions made after an hour of play, the Austrian team coach tried to make a statement again. Even the injured David Alaba from Real Madrid, who was only on the bench at the EM, could not bring luck.
"Of course, I'd like to help the team on the field. It stings a bit. But, of course, I want to help the team in the role I've been playing for years," said Alaba in ARD.
Additionally, the 65-year-old Rangnick, despite his extensive coaching experience in Duesseldorf, was also venturing into uncharted territory. "This is my first European Championship and overall my first time with the national team. And such a start always holds a certain magic. That's why it's something quite special," said the long-time Bundesliga coach to MagentaTV. The energy that his team intended to show on the field was indeed exhibited as the game progressed. However, Austria remained unlucky, and the performance gap within the team became apparent on Monday.
For France, it was a hard-earned victory. Griezmann received a head wound after a collision with Wöber. Mbappé was also hit and received a yellow card, preventing France from making a substitution. Mbappé returned to the field and promptly collapsed.
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Mbappeło's political remarks before the game didn't significantly impact France's performance, as they managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win against Austria. The European Football Championship 2024 could see Kylian Mbappe leading France against Ralf Rangnick's Dutch team, given France's progression in the tournament without their key players.
