France edge out Austria 1-0 to open Euro 2024 with win despite Kylian Mbappe injury

France edged out Austria in an end to end encounter and in the end prevailed 1-0 after going ahead via an own goal in the first half. 

France weren't convincing in their victory and a valiant Austrian side gave them a run for money and almost came away with a point towards the end. 

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France edge out Austria 1-0

The first half was a riveting affair as France started on the front foot and looked like they were on top and would take the match by the scruff of its neck. Kylian Mbappe was through on goal for France in the 9th minute of the contest but ended up firing his shot just wide into the side netting.

As France squandered early chances, Ralf Ragnick's Austrian side grew into the game and soon started threatening the French goal. They were thwarted by French defender Jules Kounde on a number of occasions.

As the alarm bells were ringing for France, Austria had a golden opportunity with Christoph Baumgartener finding himself in front of the goal with only the goalkeeper in his way and the entire frame to aim at. Les Blues keeper Mike Maignan pulled off an excellent save to keep Baumgartener and Austria at bay.

Just when it looked like, Austria might be pulling off a special upset, Kylian Mbappe burst onto an excellent charge in the opponents defensive half and fired in a cross inside the box. The cross was deflected by Austrian defender Maximilian Wober as France went ahead via own goal.

Kylian Mbappe would go on to squander another golden opportunity in the one additional minute before half time as he failed to capitalise on another one on one situation with the goalkeeper.

The second half saw much the same from both sides as Austria kept pressing the issue but failed to equalise and the match ended in a 1-0 victory for France. 

NGolo Kante was named the man of the match for his fantastic performance and last minute save to prevent an Austrian counter attack in the dying moments of the game. 

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Kylian Mbappe's injury

Kylian Mbappe broke his nose for France towards the end of the contest and will be a huge blow to his team.

There is no update on whether Mbappe will be fit for France for their next game against Netherlands or not but there are suggestions that he can play entire Euros with a face mask.