France kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Austria, but the win came at a cost for star player Kylian Mbappe. The French talisman suffered a broken nose after colliding with Austria defender Kevin Danso while bravely leaping to head home from a free-kick. France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the injury and stated that Mbappe would likely have to wear a mask for the remainder of the tournament. Mbappe’s availability for France’s next match against the Netherlands on Friday remains uncertain due to swelling from his broken nose.
Despite the victory, France’s performance was lackluster and reminiscent of England’s performance in their opening game. Austria’s aggressive play both on and off the ball made it difficult for France, and they will be disappointed to have conceded an own goal that proved to be the decisive moment of the game. The match saw a total of 18 fouls from Austria, with some going unnoticed by the referee. Austria also had more possession, showcasing their aggressive style of play.
In terms of individual performances, N’Golo Kante was hailed as the best player on the pitch by Gary Neville and was awarded the man of the match title. Kante’s experience, defensive prowess, and excellent decision-making were highlighted, along with his ability to contribute offensively. His performance was reminiscent of his younger days and was instrumental in France’s victory.
The broken nose suffered by Mbappe will undoubtedly dominate headlines, as the extent of the injury and its potential impact on his availability for future matches remains uncertain. France will need to regroup and improve their performance in upcoming matches against Poland and the Netherlands. Didier Deschamps celebrated his 100th win as France manager, and if he can add a few more victories to that tally in this tournament, it will be considered a success.
Overall, France’s victory over Austria was hard-fought, with both teams battling it out on the pitch. Austria’s aggressive style made it uncomfortable for France, and their own goal ultimately determined the outcome of the match. The injury to Mbappe adds further uncertainty to France’s campaign, as they will now have to navigate the tournament without their star player at full fitness.