France hit the ground running in UEFA EURO 2024 Group D as Maximilian Wöber’s own goal earned them a tight victory against tough opponents.
Kylian Mbappé celebrates after his first-half cross led to the decisive own goal
France began their bid for glory at UEFA EURO 2024 with a 1-0 opening win after Austria defender Maximilian Wöber steered a Kylian Mbappé cross into his own net.
Key moments
8′: Pentz saves Mbappé effort at near post
36′: Maignan denies Baumgartner one on one
38′: Wöber heads Mbappé cross into own net
54′: Mbappé fires wide with just Pentz to beat
67′: Austria goalkeeper denies Thuram
Match in brief: France made to work hard for win
Joy for France’s players in Düsseldorf
Aiming to reach their fourth final in the last five major tournaments, France found Austria to be tenacious rivals from the start. Even so, slick interplay down the left presented them with the first chance of the game on eight minutes, Kylian Mbappé sent free by Adrien Rabiot and forcing goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to save low at his near post.
Shortly after, a Theo Hernández delivery close to the byline flew invitingly across goal, but Austria’s renowned intensity allowed them to limit the flow to France’s danger men. Ralf Rangnick’s men were energetic and quick into challenges, and they almost took the lead themselves when Marcel Sabitzer flicked Michael Gregoritsch’s cross down to Christoph Baumgartner, who could not slip his shot past the onrushing Mike Maignan.
Instead, it was France who struck first moments later, Mbappé’s quick feet earning him space down the right for a cross which the unfortunate Maximilian Wöber headed into his own net. The France captain – who left the game late on with a head injury – then spurned a fine opportunity to double the advantage in the second half, curling wide after beating Wöber to a ball over the top.
That was the cue for Austria to press their case, albeit while leaving spaces which France’s forwards threatened to exploit, Antoine Griezmann just failing to slide in from a cross and Thuram having an effort saved. In the end, their solitary goal, and solidity further back, proved enough to take the points.
Vivo Player of the Match: N’Golo Kanté (France)
He won a lot of balls, blocked Austria in the middle of the pitch and played some good passes forward. He also provided a covering challenge as the last man.
James Thorogood, Austria reporter
It wasn’t the sensation Austria were hoping to pull off, but there is no shame in a narrow defeat against the tournament favourites. Rangnick’s charges made France’s life uncomfortable in all areas of the pitch with the type of performance that could stand them in good stead against Poland and the Netherlands.
Alex Clementson, France reporter
France will have wanted to show slightly more attacking endeavour during the second half, but teams can’t always be at their swashbuckling best at the start of tournaments. The most important thing is to pick up three points, regardless of how it’s done. France were dominant and resolute at the back while looking fluid, if not quite fearsome, going forward. Onto the next one.
Kylian Mbappé misses the target
Key stats
Maximilian Wöber heads beyond his own goalkeeper
- France have never lost their opening match in a EURO final tournament group stage (W7 D3).
- Les Bleus have lost only one of their last 11 games against Austria (W8 D2).
- Only two of France’s last 29 EURO matches have finished scoreless.
- France have failed to score just once in a EURO group stage opener – against Romania in 2008 (0-0).
- Olivier Giroud became only the second player after Lilian Thuram to make an appearance in four EURO final tournaments for France.
- Austria have won only two of their last 11 EURO matches (D2 L7).
- This was just Austria’s second loss in their last 17 games overall (W12 D3).
Das Team failed to score for the first time in 18 matches, dating back to a 2-0 UEFA Nations League defeat against France in September 2022.
Line-ups
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wöber (Trauner 59), Mwene (Prass 88); Seiwald, Sabitzer; Laimer (Schmid 90+1), Baumgartner, Grillitsch (Wimmer 59); Gregoritsch (Arnautović 59)
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernández; Griezmann (Fofana 90), Kanté, Rabiot (Camavinga 71); Dembélé (Kolo Muani 71), Mbappé (Giroud 90), Thuram