In a tightly contested Group D match at Euro 2024, France secured their 100th win under coach Didier Deschamps by defeating a resilient Austrian side 1-0. The only goal of the game came from an own goal by Austria defender Max Wöber just before halftime, highlighting Austria's strong defensive efforts.
Despite the victory, France's star player Kylian Mbappe faced a setback as he exited the game with a suspected broken nose after sustaining a bloodied injury in the late minutes. This marks Mbappe's first exit from a European Championship game without scoring, adding uncertainty to France's offensive strategy moving forward.
Coach Deschamps expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, \"Happy with what the players did, even if we missed opportunities to double the tally. It was not perfect, but we were solid. We could have been more efficient offensively, but it's good to start with a win.\" He emphasized the importance of teamwork and staying grounded despite the victory.
On his 80th appearance for Les Bleus, Mbappe showcased his exceptional skill in the 38th minute by dribbling past three defenders and delivering a precise cross that led to Wöber's unfortunate own goal. However, Mbappe missed a critical opportunity in the 54th minute when his powerful shot narrowly missed the post after a swift run towards goal.
Looking ahead, France aims to build on this solid start as they navigate the challenges of the tournament in Germany. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, France remains a strong contender to reach the latter stages of Euro 2024.
Reference(s):
France beat battling Austria as Mbappe exits Euro 2024 game bloodied
cgtn.com
