Austria should enter Euro 2024 with confidence as they’re unbeaten in seven matches (W6, D1), suggesting they could have what it takes to better their run to the last 16 three summers ago. Revitalised under manager Ralf Rangnick, they open their Euros campaign against France, who they last met in the UEFA Nations League in 2022, losing 2-0 in what was only Rangnick’s fifth game in charge.
They hold a poor record against the French, winning just one of the last ten meetings (D2, L7), but one thing they’d like to repeat is winning their Euro finals opener, which they did for the first time in 2021 (W 3-1 v North Macedonia) after two previous group-opening defeats ‘to nil’. Making a strong start in this opener could be vital to their chances of escaping a tricky group which also contains the Netherlands and Poland.
France are among the tournament favourites, but they haven’t enjoyed an ideal build-up as they followed up friendly wins over Chile and Luxembourg with a frustrating goalless draw against Canada. Since arriving in Germany, a virus has swept through their camp with captain Kylian Mbappé and manager Didier Deschamps among those affected and sitting out training.
But if any side has the resources to deal with such a setback, then it is Les Bleus, as only Germany (twice) have beaten them since they lost the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina on penalties, while they breezed through qualifying by dropping only two points (W7, D1). As they chase a third European crown, and first since 2000, it’s also worth noting they’ve also never lost their first group game at the Euros (W6, D3), opening both of their title-winning campaigns with a victory ‘to nil’.
Players to watch: Christoph Baumgartner has scored in each of Austria’s last five internationals, three times inside the opening 15 minutes. In good form for France, Randal Kolo Muani has netted in three of their last five games, twice between the 40th minute and half-time.
Hot stat: Exactly two goals were produced in four of Austria’s last six games (W5, D1) and both of the last two H2Hs (France: W1, D1).
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