Mbappe fades, France wins thanks to opponent's own goal

France began their EURO 2024 journey with a match against Austria. After the opening whistle, the French team quickly dominated the field.

Not Kylian Mbappe or Antoine Griezmann, the most outstanding factor of the current world runner-up team in this match was N'Golo Kante. After playing in Saudi Arabia and away from the top European environment, Kante proved that his professional level has not diminished.

The appearance of this veteran midfielder helped the French team control the midfield well. The first notable moves came to the "Gaul Rooster" after the efforts of Theo Hernandez and Antoine Griezmann. However, there was no difference on the field. Mbappe also had moments of making it difficult for the opposing goalkeeper but the goal did not come.

The first half was also a time when the Austrian team proved many things. Coach Ralf Rangnick's players played with great physicality and flexibility, making their opponents confused. The Austrian team confidently put pressure on the French team's half. Konrad Laimer and his teammates often won in one-on-one battles.

The most dangerous chance of the first half belonged to the Austrian team. In the 36th minute, Sabitzer made a great wall for Baumgartner but his shot was not dangerous enough.

Missing a dangerous opportunity, the Nordic representative had to pay a heavy price. In the 38th minute, Mbappe tried to dribble the ball down the right wing. He passed the ball inside but made center-back Wober fumble and score an own goal, much to the surprise of the Austrian team.

The first half ended with the advantage for the French team in a very surprising way. Few people thought that they would only take the lead when their opponents made things difficult for themselves. In the second half, the Austrian team surprised everyone by attacking and putting pressure on Maignan's goal.

However, the lack of quality strikers has made the Austrian team's attacks ineffective. The situation on the French side is not much better. Even Kylian Mbappe missed an unbelievable chance.

In the 55th minute, Mbappe broke free and faced goalkeeper Pentz. Surprisingly, this player shot wide even though there was an open goal in front of him.

The second half was a tight affair. The French team continued to waste chances. However, the 1-0 score was enough for coach Didier Deschamps and his team to take all three points.