EURO 2024 is well and truly underway now, with many top teams having played their first group stage match. Tonight, it’s France’s turn to take the main stage, as they face off against Austria in what should be avery interesting encounter. This will be Kylian Mbappe’s first Euros match since the Round of 16 stage in 2021, when his missed penalty against Switzerland crashed France out of the tournament. Mbappe, who recently announced his move to Champions League winners Real Madrid, will look to make a lasting impact on this tournament, after shining in the last two World Cups. Let’s take a look at the things to look out for in this exciting clash from Group D.
Austria
Since Ralf Ragnick took over the Austrian national team, they have played a modern and exciting brand of football, pressing opponents all over the pitch and attacking in numbers, While this was a very convincing strategy in their qualifying group for the Euros, which they finished just a point behind Belgium, it may be counter productive against a side like France. The pace of the French team will be a problem if Austria committ too many players forward. Austria’s central midfielder duo of Laimer and Sabitzer – arguably their best players after David Alaba, who is out of the torunament through injury – will have to limit Camavinga nd Tchouameni’s creative capabilities, and engage them in as many physical duels as possible. Ultimately, I see Austria giving France a very good go, but not enough to take any points away from the joint-favorites in this tournament.
France
The sheer options that Didier Deschamps has to choose from for his starting XI should scare any team in this tournament as Mbappe alone shoudl as well. Almost all the French players play for top Europan sides and, to top it off, the squad is comprised of a nice mix of veteran players, along with young, fast and physial players that will be a handful for anyone. The only question regards Deschamps choices: starting Upamecano ahead of Saliba seems ludicrous to many after thier respective club seasons, but it seems like the French managers has decided on his centerback pairing already. Another question mark is the striker: will Oliviier Giroud or Marus Thuram start? The one big certainty in this team is Kylian Mbappe, who will undoubtedly start and be the most dangerous player on the pitch. Mbappe has been capable of scoring 2+_ goals at basically any stage of any international tournament, so playing him as an anytime goalscorer is a no-brainer. I see this game being a tough contest, but ultimately France will come out winners by at least two goals. They have too much talent and will want to start the tournament off in the best possible way.
Austria to Win – 5.90
Draw – 4.35
France to Win – 1.61
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