New Delhi: Austria will face France in Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf for the 17th edition of Europe’s premier international football competition – UEFA Euro, tonight (June 17, Monday).
Whilst Austria have failed to progress beyond the round of 16, Les Bleus have won the championship twice. Though the French unit will have to improve its performance from their last appearance, it will arrive in the competition as one of the favourites.
A lot of hope has been put into former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, and Austria will hope to go beyond their 2020 Euro result of reaching Round 16. Ragnick has impacted Austria well as they arrive in their neighbouring nation as one of the most in-form teams on the continent.
They won six games from eight matches, one draw and one loss during qualifying. Ragnick led the team into a brilliant spell of six straight wins before drawing their game 1-1 against Switzerland. In 16 games, they have only lost one game, 3-2, against Belgium.
Amidst their stellar performances includes a 2-0 win over their neighbours Germany and a 6-1 victory over Turkey. Michael Gregoritsch scored a hat-trick and suggests the team is in great form and could better their performances than before.
France will come to the tournament with a star-studded line-up. The 2018 World Cup champions have consistently been the team to beat, and this reputation carries over to UEFA Euro 2024, where they are once again the favourites.
However, their 2020 Euro performance was a forgettable one, crashing out after losing to Switzerland in penalties in the round of 16. The two-time Euro champions haven’t clinched the Euro title in over two decades.
Their current manager, Didier Deschamps, was the captain when France last won their Euro title in 2020. Deschamps guided the team to their 2018 World Cup triumph and will now look to conquer the Euro silverware. They come into the tournament with seven wins from their eight games, including a 14-0 demolishing victory over Gibraltar. Though they won a comfortable 3-0 against Luxembourg, their draw against Canada wasn’t the most comforting sight to the Deschamp’s men.
Team News
A few important players from the Austrian squad will miss the Euros, including ACL victims David Alaba and Sasa Kalajdzic. RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager wasn’t selected for the squad after sustaining a serious knee problem.
Austria’s most capped player, Arnautovic, is in the squad, although Gregoritsch is most likely to feature in the number nine spot in Rangnck’s 4-2-3-1. Stefan Posch is back from a knee concern and will start in defence. Though Gernot Trauner missed his training Friday as a precaution, it is good news that Posch will be available.
France’s squad saw Kingsley Coman rested for most of last week owing to an illness, but he is likely fine to take the field. Mbappe is also back in the playing ranks after suffering a blow to the knee during their friendly win over Luxembourg.
However, Aurelien Tchouameni is still not fit to play after a foot injury forced him out of the Champions League final. Adrien Rabiot will likely get the nod to play the game instead. Though Tchoumeni is back in training, he will likely miss the opener. Warren Zaire-Emery and Eduardo Camavinga are likely to be in the starting role. Further back, William Saliba will feature over Imbrahima Konate.
Predicted lineups
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wober, Mwene; Siewald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Sabitzer, Baumgartner; Gregoritsch
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram
Head to Head
France have won 13 games against Austria and lost nine. They have played three draw games. These are two teams that both enter the tournament in great form. Though Austria are less favourites, they will give France tough competition.
When, where and how to watch the Austria vs France match in India?
The Austria vs France UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight.
Austria have been in the best form entering the championship amidst all teams. France will look to reclaim the title for the 3rd time and start their campaign with a good game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
