Austria 0-1 France: What Were The Key Talking Points As Les Bleus Open Their European Adventure With A Gritty Victory In Dusseldorf?

While France might not have been at their best on Monday night, Les Bleus opened their European Championship adventure with a gritty 1-0 victory against Austria in Dusseldorf.

Despite struggling to create many clearcut chances against an energetic Austrian side, it was eventually Leeds United defender Max Wober who proved to be France’s unlikely hero.

Nodding into his own net just seven minutes before the half-time break, Didier Deschamps’ side would have simply been relieved to drag themselves over the finishing line.

Although attacking talisman and skipper Kylian Mbappe might have squandered a golden chance to double France’s lead 10 minutes after returning from the break, the European giants failed to find any kind of fluidity.

Austria’s best chance came just moments before France’s opener as playmaker Christoph Baumgartner’s shot from close range was blocked by the feet of Mike Maignan.

Although Ralf Rangnick’s men might have eventually fallen short in their bid to spring an almighty European Championship outfit, Das Team should take plenty of positives away from a gritty display against the former world champions.

On a night when France got their Group D adventure underway with three points, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Dusseldorf.

Les Bleus still seeking a clinical edge

Suffering major heartbreak out in Qatar 18 months ago as they relinquished their world crown to South American giants Argentina, France are seeking an immediate response on the major tournament stage.

However, although Les Bleus might have eventually made the decision to stick with Deschamps last year, there are some sections of France’s travelling support who still feel that a change in the dugout is needed.

While the European heavyweights might have opened their EURO 24 adventure with a hard-fought 1-0 victory here, France are seeking a recent clinical edge in the final third.

Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a…

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Author : Tom Dunstan

Publish date : 2024-06-18 08:41:24

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