New Delhi: It was certainly a match that got the fan’s pulses racing. An end to end contest where the Les Bleus got the last laugh winning the game 1-0 against a brave Austrian side. France were the clear favourites to win this contest but Austria certainly made their job difficult with a wonderful defensive performance.
The Austrian defensive lineup looked solid throughout the game but they were unfortunate to concede an own goal from Max Wober. Austrians had their chances to win the match but they missed a few big chances where Maignan proved to be an important figure in keeping the Austrian side from scoring.
On the other hand, France were constantly on the move, trying to break the stubborn Austrian defensive line. Mbappe looked threatning from the very first minute but eventually missed a one on one sitter, firing the shot wide. It was the moment where France could impose authority, doubling their single goal advantage but failed to do so.
Above all, it was ahigh intensity clash where both the teams played some good football. The score doesn’t justify the high drama that this match produced as the amount of chances that were created were insane. The match could have produced more goals if the chances were converted by both the sides.
Kylian Mbappe- The French talisman
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – JUNE 17: Kylian Mbappé of France reacts after a missed opportunity during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Austria and France at Düsseldorf Arena on June 17, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Mbappe yet again proves his worth as he was heavily involved in the first goal for France where he beat his marker like he usually does to launch in a cross, that eventually got deflected into the net by the unfortunate Maximilian Wober. Despite him missing a sitter, the French star was a constant threat to the Austrian side with his blistering pace and acceleration.
The French forward may not have had the best performance but played a major role in this French win. His ability to beat the defenders is something that nobody can doubt and he certainly showed his skills on the ball against a stubborn defensive unit.
Theo Hernandez with a top quality performance
Theo Hernandez is playing during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group D match between Austria v France, at the Düsseldorf Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany, on June 17, 2024. (Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The French left back had a wonderful game where he was heavily involved in the attack and he carried that form until the very end of the game. His overlapping runs allowed other attackers to find the space to cause problems for the opposition defence. Theo has established himself as one of the very best offensive fullbacks in the world and his performance in this match proved this statement right.
Ngolo Kante reminded us why he is one of the best box to box midfielders.
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – JUNE 17: N’Golo Kante of France controls the ball whilst under pressure from Florian Grillitsch of Austria during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Austria and France at Düsseldorf Arena on June 17, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
The little French Midfielder was everywhere on the pitch, fulfiling his defensive duties while also running tirelessly in the opposition territory. The 33-year-old never looked like he missed the European top flight football and he produced a wonderful performance coming back after missing two years of European football. The former Chelsea star was influential throughout the game making some crucial inerventions, running tirelessly on both sides of the pitch.
Kante proved to be a pivotal part of the midfield and certainly had an important role playing as a box to box midfielder. In the 84th minute of the match, Laimer found Wimmer on the counter with three defenders trying to catch the progressing midfielder who was almost clear off the defence until Ngolo Kante covered a large amout of ground to make a recovery tackle and break the play. it proved to be a pivotal moment of the match as it helped France protect their slim lead.
The Austrian defence
Nicolas Seiwald, N’Golo Kante are playing during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group D match between Austria v France, at the Düsseldorf Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany, on June 17, 2024. (Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Despite losing the match, the Austrians set the tone for their campaign. The players showed some real intent and their defensive lineup was rock solid. They were unfortunate enough to concede an own goal from Max Wober before the half time but they showed some real spirit to make sure that they don’t concede further.
The defendeing was top notch, as their game reading ability peaked while cutting off the French supply, while also winning the physical battle against the French. The Austrian defence won a total of 14 tackles while also committing five blocks keeping the French attackers from scoring their second goal. A reminder that this French attack involved some highly reputed players such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann, but the Austrian defensive unit was brave and produced a top quality defensive performance.
Austria need some improvement up front and that could prove to be the missing ingredient. Their attackers need to get a steady grip and produce a better response in their upcoming games. If they manage to do so, we might be looking at the new dark horses of Euro 2024.
France off to a perfect start to their campaign as they edge past a stubborn Austrian side to win 1-0 Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
