France overcame the potentially difficult hurdle of an in-form Austria as they got their Euro 2024 campaign up and running with a 1-0 victory courtesy of an own goal, but talisman Kylian Mbappe suffered a worrying injury.
It proved a very mixed night for France’s captain Mbappe though as he was left still searching for his first goal in a European Championship and went off bloodied late on with a suspected broken nose.
Austria, with one defeat in their last 16 matches, stood their ground and went close through Christoph Baumgartner after 37 minutes but a minute later France struck when a brilliant piece of wing play by Mbappe took him to the byline and his cross was deflected into his own net by the head of Max Wober.
Mbappe, who has never scored a European Championship goal, looked certain to break that duck after 55 minutes but shot wide when clean through and, though Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembele also went close, the 2022 World Cup runners-up could not find a second and had to endure a few defensive scares before clinching the win.
Follow all the latest news and match action in our live blog below
Read Miguel Delaney’s report, from Dusseldorf:
It was as a gallant but defeated Austria pressed that a certain push-and-pull became all the clearer with this French team. They are a side that obstinately waits for the opposition, as everyone watching on waits for their great star to do something.
In an obdurate 1-0 win over Austria, Mbappe forced the only goal with a cross that deflected in off Maximilian Wöber’s head. He then wasted a huge opportunity with one uncharacteristic miss from a one-on-one before getting booked for time-wasting after suffering what looked like a broken nose. He was then booed off by Austrian fans rather than roared off in the way he has maybe become accustomed.
Full report below:
Goodbye!
Thanks a lot for following our live blog this evening, on a night where Kylian Mbappe was the difference-maker for France but was forced off with a bloody nose late on!
Tomorrow sees Cristiano Ronaldo enter the fray for Portugal, who face Czech Republic in the evening. Before that, Turkey take on newbies Georgia!
See you then!
LATEST: Mbappe taken to hospital
The France star has gone to hospital in Dusseldorf but contrary to earlier reports, he does not require surgery on his nose!
Roy Keane blasts Kylian Mbappe after bloody nose incident: ‘This is out of order’
The France captain, who created the only goal of the game which gave France a winning start to the tournament in Dusseldorf, was left covered in blood after his head hit the shoulder of Austria defender Kevin Danso following a challenge in the air.
Full piece below:
VIDEO: Kylian Mbappe leaves France game covered in blood
Roy Keane on Mbappe’s yellow card:
“He’s gone back on the pitch but just sitting, this is out of order. To go back on and sit on the pitch, he deserved that yellow card – don’t like to see that!”
Kylian Mbappe left covered in blood following brutal injury in Euro 2024 match
Mbappe’s nose started bleeding and received medical attention after play was stopped, with his white shirt stained in blood.
FULL–TIME: Austria 0-1 France!
The Austrians drop to the floor after the effort they’ve put in – but it’s victory for France in their opening game!
Max Wober’s own-goal in the first-half was what split the teams, god knows how France didn’t score at least a few more!
It was a terrific contest, where Austria gave it a good go, and there will be concern for France about their talisman Kylian Mbappe, who went off with what looked like a broken nose late on!
Austria 0-1 France
90+9 mins: France clear… and that should be enough!
Austria 0-1 France
90+8 mins: Late corner for Austria, who are pushing!
Huge noise inside the stadium – can they?!
Source: independent.co.uk
