France rejoicing – Photo ANP / IPA
Narrow victory for France against Austria in their debut match at Euro 2024. In fact, it ends at the Merkur-Spiel Arena in Dusseldorf 1-0 for Didier Deschamps’ team, who were satisfied with Maximilian’s naive own goal Wober to secure the 3 points that are worth joining the Netherlands at the top of Group D. The Galletti devour a couple of chances to double their lead on the counterattack, and overall the performance of the reigning world vice champions can certainly be improved upon as they advance of the review.
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THE MATCH CHRONICLE – Deschamps opt for a 4-2-3-1 with Maignan in goal and Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano and Theo Hernandez in defence. Kante and Rabiot are the midfield intermediates, while the trident supporting Mbappé is made up of Dembelé, Griezmann and Thuram. Rangnick he also responds with a 4-2-3-1 with Pentz between the posts, defensive line made up of Posch, Danso, Wober and Mwene. In the midfield there is room for Seiwald and Grillitsch, while there is the trident with Laimer, Sabitzer and Baumgartner supporting the sole striker Gregoritsch.
The first real opportunity happens on the feet of Mbappé after 8′: Rabiot slots it deep for the next Real Madrid striker, who shoots from a tight angle, but is met by Pentz on the outside of the net. Austria closes well behind and starts again, giving little space to the Transalpines. In the 36th minute it comes across the feet of Baumgartner a colossal opportunity for the lead: excellent support from Sabitzer for the insertion of the Leipzig winger, who tries the touch underneath but is hypnotized by Maignan. Only two minutes pass and one of the most ruthless laws in football comes to fruition on the header. Mbappé goes to the right and puts it in the middle, Wober he opposes in a rather clumsy way with a header which however is aimed towards his goal: an innocent Pentz can do nothing and is 1-0 for the Franceresult with which the two teams go to the locker room.
In the second half France immediately tried to close the match, but in the 55th minute Mbappé a sensational opportunity to double the lead is devoured. Launched at the net face to face with Pentz he opens the plate too much and sends it incredibly wide. Austria tries to punish and press in the attacking half of the field, but fails to create dangerous opportunities. When France restarts they are more concrete and come close to doubling their lead again with a shot from Theo Hernandez on the left, but Griezmann narrowly misses the low cross with a split. The match continues with many interruptions, yellow cards abound but no scoring opportunities. In added time, Austria tries without success to make itself dangerous, but it is still France who devours an incredible opportunity with Giroud, who clears from a favorable position on Kolo Muani’s assist. After 9 minutes of added time, the referee’s final whistle confirms the Galletti’s victory.
