Austria-France, the adventure of the reigning vice world champions starts in Dusseldorf: for Mbappé and co. there are Rangnick’s men.
France’s adventure at Euro 2024 will begin from the Merkur-Spiel Arena in Dusseldorf, the scene of the interesting challenge with Austria. Les Bleus, as was already the case on the eve of the last two major events (Euro 2020 and Qatar 2022), will start with the favor of prediction, although there is even that England this time has something more than Didier Deschamps’ battleship.
The Bayonne coach remained in the saddle – contract extended until 2026 – despite the penalty shootout defeat in the Qatari World Cup final to Argentina a year and a half ago that prevented France from becoming world champions for the second time in a row. Not much has changed since then: we are talking about the usual strong roster, with the technical commissioner who can count on an incredible abundance in all departments but the feeling is that it is once again a team too dependent on the plays of individuals. France, yes, overcame their group but never gave the impression of having made progress in terms of the chorus of play. And pitfalls remain around the corner. The group, moreover, is not the easiest. In addition to the Netherlands, there are also two selections to be taken with caution such as Poland and Austria. Das Team seems to be the most dangerous one, since coach Ralf Rangnick is doing a great job. And one only has to take a look at the results to realize this: since the disastrous 2022 Nations League, Austria has lost only one match and in the qualifying round gave the top-ranked Belgium a hard time.
Austria-France, Mbappé ready to pull the chestnuts out of the fire
Now it’s clear. There is a France with Mbappé and another without Mbappé. When things go wrong, it is he who, with his immense qualities, manages to pull chestnuts out of the fire for Deschamps. After saying goodbye to PSG – from July he will become a Real Madrid player, fulfilling his dream – he is now ready to drag his national team toward a continental title that has been missing for 24 years.
In short, that he will end up in the scorer’s box in the debut match against Austria is very likely. Up front, the Inter player Thuram should win the “derby” with the now former Milan player Giroud and we expect at least two shots on goal from him. The other “light” of this France side, though often intermittent, is Dembélé: if he remains focused, the talented PSG outfielder can prove to be a real thorn in the side for the Austrian defense. There will also be no shortage of chances for Rangnick’s team. The Bleus will have to watch out for outside shots from Gregoritsch but also Sabitzer, back from a great season with Borussia Dortmund. In France, the two players at risk of yellow are the “Italians” Rabiot and Theo Hernandez, while for Austria we choose Posch and Laimer, who will have to deal with a certain Mbappé in their sides.
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Theo Hernandez cautioned Plus is listed at 3.45 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 3.50 on Snai. Thuram at least two shots on goal Plus instead is quoted at 3.30 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 3.15 on Snai.
