Tense Start for Les Bleus in Dusseldorf
The much-anticipated Euro 2024 campaign for France began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria in Group D, courtesy of Max Wober’s unfortunate own goal. The Leeds United defender inadvertently headed Kylian Mbappé’s dangerous cross past his own goalkeeper in the 38th minute, proving to be the decisive moment in a tightly contested match at Merkur Spiel-Arena.
While the three points will satisfy Didier Deschamps’ side, the victory came at a cost as superstar forward Mbappé suffered a potentially tournament-altering nose injury late in the game. The Baji999 sports desk can confirm the French captain has indeed broken his nose and will require a protective mask for subsequent matches.
Mbappé’s Mixed Night: Creator and Casualty
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was instrumental in France‘s winner, demonstrating his trademark acceleration down the right flank before delivering the cross that Wober could only turn into his own net. However, Mbappé’s evening took a dramatic turn in the 85th minute when he collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso while contesting an aerial duel.
Deschamps provided a concerning update post-match: “His nose is not good at all. It’s probably broken. This is obviously the negative point of our evening.” Medical staff immediately attended to the bleeding forward, who was subsequently substituted. The Baji999 medical team suggests such injuries typically require 7-10 days recovery, potentially jeopardizing his availability for France’s crucial clash with the Netherlands.
Austria’s Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria entered the tournament in impressive form, having lost just once in their previous 16 matches. Their high-pressing approach caused France significant problems in the first half, with Christoph Baumgartner wasting a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 36th minute. French goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced a spectacular point-blank save to deny the RB Leipzig midfielder.
Former Manchester United interim manager Rangnick told Baji999: “We showed we can compete with the best, but at this level you get punished for small mistakes. Wober is devastated but he’s been outstanding for us all season.”
Kante Rolls Back the Years in Midfield Masterclass
In a match where several French stars struggled to impose themselves, N’Golo Kanté delivered a vintage performance that silenced doubts about his move to the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old midfielder covered every blade of grass, making crucial interventions throughout, including a potentially game-saving tackle on Patrick Wimmer in the 85th minute.
Football analyst Paul Merson commented exclusively to Baji999: “Kanté was absolutely everywhere tonight. When people questioned if he still had it after moving to Saudi Arabia, this performance answered emphatically. He’s like a fine wine – gets better with age.”
What This Result Means for Group D
While France secured three vital points, their performance raised questions about their attacking fluidity without the injured Karim Benzema. Antoine Griezmann operated in a deeper role, while Olivier Giroud’s introduction failed to spark the attack.
Austria, despite the defeat, showed enough quality to suggest they can trouble both the Netherlands and Poland in their remaining group matches. Rangnick’s pressing system caused France consistent problems, particularly in wide areas.
Looking Ahead: France vs Netherlands Preview
All eyes now turn to Friday’s heavyweight clash between France and the Netherlands in Leipzig. The availability of Mbappé remains uncertain, potentially forcing Deschamps to reconsider his attacking options. Ousmane Dembélé and Kingsley Coman may need to step up in the absence of their talisman.
For Austria, a meeting with Poland represents a must-win encounter if they’re to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Their energetic performance against France suggests they have the tools to progress from a competitive Group D.
France’s Euro 2024 campaign begins with victory but Mbappé injury casts shadow – stay tuned to Baji999 for all the latest updates, expert analysis, and in-depth coverage of Euro 2024’s biggest stories.
