France began their Euro 2024 journey with a narrow 1-0 win over Austria on Monday night. Despite the win the World Cup runners-up did not impress and neither did their star player Kylian Mbappe.
The game’s only goal came from an unexpected moment when Max Wober accidentally headed Mbappe’s cross into his own net. Mbappe himself missed a clear chance to secure the win when he faced Austria’s goalkeeper Patrick Pentz in a one-on-one situation.
Austria had their moments too. Just before France’s goal Austria were denied a corner after Mike Maignan made a big save from Christoph Baumgartner who got a great pass from Marcel Sabitzer.
Austria put more pressure on France towards the end of the game. However, France managed to hold on to their lead despite not playing their best. Mbappe’s night ended early due to a suspected broken nose. Thus, adding to France’s concerns despite the win.
Austria National Football Team Player Ratings vs France
GOALKEEPER
Patrick Pentz – 6/10: Pentz made a solid save to deny Mbappe. He had no chance to stop Wober’s own goal. He remained alert throughout the game.
DEFENDERS
Stefan Posch – 6/10: Posch was aggressive in his play. He managed to win possession several times. His physicality caused problems for France.
Kevin Danso – 6/10: Danso was crucial in defense. He cleared the ball multiple times, though sometimes just in time. His positioning was mostly solid.
Maximilian Wober – 3/10: Wober’s misdirected header led to their own goal. He struggled with Mbappe’s cross. He was subbed off early in the second half.
Philipp Mwene – 5/10: Mwene received a yellow card for persistent fouling. He found it hard to contain France’s wingers. His overall impact was limited.
MIDFIELDERS
Nicolas Seiwald – 7/10: Seiwald was energetic in midfield. He won many tackles and kept pressing. His work rate stood out in the match.
Florian Grillitsch – 6/10: Grillitsch worked hard to disrupt France’s play. He maintained pressure on the opponents. He was substituted in the second half.
Konrad Laimer – 6/10: Laimer showed effort and determination. He pressed well but lacked a decisive final touch. His defensive contributions were notable.
Christoph Baumgartner – 6/10: Baumgartner had Austria’s best chance but failed to score. He made some good interceptions. His overall play was positive.
Marcel Sabitzer – 5/10: Sabitzer couldn’t make a big impact with the ball. He was involved in the pressing game. His offensive contributions were limited.
FORWARD
Michael Gregoritsch – 5/10: Gregoritsch had no clear chances to score. He was well-marked by France’s defense. He was subbed off without making a significant impact.
Substitutes:
Patrick Wimmer (59′ for Grillitsch) – 5/10: Wimmer brought energy but didn’t change the game.
Marko Arnautovic (59′ for Gregoritsch) – 5/10: Arnautovic struggled to find space against the French defense.
Gernot Trauner (59′ for Wober) – 6/10: Trauner helped stabilize the defense after coming on.
Alexander Prass (88′ for Mwene) – N/A: Played too little to rate.
Romano Schmid (90′ for Laimer) – N/A: Played too little to rate.
Manager
Ralf Rangnick – 7/10: Rangnick set up Austria to press and frustrate France. His tactics worked well but the team lacked quality in the final third.
France National Football Team Player Ratings vs Austria
GOALKEEPER
Mike Maignan – 6/10: Maignan made key saves when needed. He wasn’t tested much overall. He handled the pressure well.
DEFENDERS
Jules Kounde – 7/10: Kounde supported attacks from the right. He also defended solidly. He nearly scored with a long shot.
Dayot Upamecano – 7/10: Upamecano used his pace to stop counters. He was reliable in defense. His positioning was good throughout the match.
William Saliba – 7/10: Saliba was proactive in defense. He made crucial interceptions. Almost got caught once but recovered well.
Theo Hernandez – 8/10: Hernandez was a constant threat on the left. His crosses were dangerous. He was the standout player for France.
MIDFIELDERS
N’Golo Kante – 8/10: Kante was tireless in midfield. He won many duels but lacked precision in attacks. His defensive work was crucial.
Adrien Rabiot – 7/10: Rabiot kept calm under pressure. He made some good passes. He controlled the tempo in midfield.
Ousmane Dembele – 6/10: Dembele struggled to beat defenders. He was subbed off after a quiet game. His impact was minimal.
Antoine Griezmann – 6/10: Griezmann couldn’t influence the game much. He missed a good chance from Hernandez’s cross. He worked hard defensively.
Marcus Thuram – 6/10: Thuram played wide, allowing Mbappe to be central. He had some good moments but didn’t create much. His positioning was good.
FORWARD
Kylian Mbappe – 6/10: Mbappe’s cross led to the own goal. He missed a clear chance to score. He left the game early with a suspected broken nose.
Substitutes:
Randal Kolo Muani (71′ for Dembele) – 5/10: Muani had little impact after coming on.
Eduardo Camavinga (71′ for Rabiot) – 6/10: Camavinga kept things tidy in midfield.
Olivier Giroud (90′ for Mbappe) – N/A: Played too little to rate.
Youssouf Fofana (90′ for Griezmann) – N/A: Played too little to rate.
Manager
Didier Deschamps – 6/10: Deschamps’ team struggled to break down Austria. His substitutions didn’t change much. France needs improvement.
Also Read: Austria vs France Highlights: France Edge Out Austria in Group D Encounter