- Top favorite France deservedly wins its opening match at the EURO against Austria 1-0.
- In Düsseldorf, Austria’s Maximilian Wöber scored the deciding goal with an own goal (38’).
- Superstar Kylian Mbappé had to be substituted in the final phase after a collision with a bleeding nose.
The most frequently mentioned title favorite has overcome the tricky hurdle at the start of the EURO. It was no gala performance by the starting team around captain Kylian Mbappé against Austria, but the 1-0 victory at the start in Düsseldorf was never really in danger.
France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan only had to prove his class in the 36th minute. Marcel Sabitzer directed a cross from Michael Gregoritsch to his teammate Christoph Baumgartner. He suddenly found himself alone in front of Maignan, but was stopped by the goalkeeper’s brilliant reaction.
Austria was punished for the missed opportunity. Just two minutes later, Mbappé let Philipp Mwene, who had already been cautioned, out in the opponent’s penalty area and crossed the ball into the middle. Maximilian Wöber headed the ball into his own goal in the style of a centre-forward. The 1-0 lead for the favourites was not really necessary at this point. Only a shot into the side netting by Mbappé had previously raised the pulse in the stands (9th).
Mbappé’s bloody nose
After the break, France had several chances to decide the game. Mbappé missed the best chance in the 55th minute. The future Real striker was sent deep with a long ball from Adrien Rabiot, but he curled the ball past the goal, alone in front of Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz.
Because Antoine Griezmann (66th) and Marcus Thuram (68th) also missed the chance to make it 2-0, Austria’s hopes of points remained alive. However, the underdogs were no longer really dangerous, apart from one attack in injury time.
As so often in this match, the last shock fell to Mbappé. In the opponent’s penalty area, his head collided with Kevin Danso’s shoulder. The 25-year-old had to be substituted a short time later with a bleeding nose. According to initial rumours, he broke his leg in the process.
This is how it continues
In the second round of Group D, the favourites will face off. France will face the Netherlands on Friday at 9 p.m. Three hours earlier, Austria and Poland will face off. As usual, you can watch both games live on SRF.