France edge past Austria in opening Euro 2024 game

Favourites France launched their Group D campaign at Euro 2024 on Monday night with a 1-0 victory over Austria.

Maximilian Wöber's own-goal in the 38th minute was the difference between the sides at the Düsseldorf Arena.

The 26-year-old Leeds United defender headed Kylian Mbappé's cross into the box ball past goalkeeper Patrick Pentz.

It was rough justice for the Austrians who could have taken the lead shortly before when skipper Marcel Sabitzer cushioned a pass into the path of Christoph Baumgartner but his shot was deflected wide by the France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Ten minutes after the break, Mbappé fluffed a good chance to double the advantage.

The 25-year-old sprinted on to a through past Kevin Danso and Wöber and bore down on the goal but with only Pentz to beat, he sent his effort wide to the right.

Though Austria continued to deploy the high energy game of coach Ralf Rangnick, they could not secure the equaliser.

Just before full-time, Mbappé was shown a yellow card for gamesmanship after leaving the field to receive treatment for a face injury and then going back on the pitch and sitting down on the turf.

Challenge

France went into the game at the courting controversy after strikers Marcus Thuram and Mbappé spoke out about the far-right parties gaining power in France after President Emmanuel Macron called a general election following the Europe.

"I really hope we make the right choice and I hope we'll still be proud to wear the France jersey on the seventh of July."

Read more on RFI English

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