France Triumphs Over Austria In Euro 2024 Opener With Wober's Own Goal

France began their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria, thanks to Max Wober's first-half own goal in Dusseldorf. The two-time European Championship winners had to wait until the 38th minute for their breakthrough, with Wober turning Kylian Mbappe's cross into his own net on Monday.

Les Bleus held on in the second half to earn Didier Deschamps his 100th win as France's manager. However, there was concern as Mbappe received lengthy treatment for a head injury late on before being withdrawn. Deschamps will hope Mbappe is fit for Friday's clash with fellow Group D leaders Netherlands, who share top spot after overcoming Poland 2-1 on Sunday.

Deschamps' men settled into their rhythm early on, with Mbappe racing clear of the Austria defence before seeing his effort repelled by Patrick Pentz. Despite France's dominance in possession, Austria remained resolute in defence and almost struck first against the run of play 10 minutes before the interval.

Christoph Baumgartner found himself unmarked inside the France box after Marcel Sabitzer's deft knockdown but was unable to find a way beyond Mike Maignan. Just two minutes later, Mbappe delivered towards the near post, where Wober inadvertently headed past Pentz.

Mbappe should have doubled France's lead after the interval but fired wide when one-on-one with Pentz. Les Bleus remained the most likely to find a decisive second goal but Theo Hernandez's delivery just evaded Antoine Griezmann before Marcus Thuram also went close.

The victory was marred by Mbappe's injury, who was forced off in the final minute of normal time after suffering a blow to his nose during an aerial duel with Kevin Danso.

Mbappe's Euro Goal Drought Continues

Mbappe produced an influential display but was far from his clinical best as his first goal at this tournament continues to elude him. The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker has now failed to convert any of his last 17 shots at the competition, contrasting with the 12 goals he has managed from 39 attempts at the World Cup.

His one-on-one opportunity in the second half had an expected goals tally (xG) of 0.6, second only behind Griezmann's opportunity (0.75 xG) 11 minutes later. France were wasteful in the final third as a collective, registering just three shots on target from 14 attempts, underperforming their xG by 1.03.

Austria's Defensive Efforts

Ralf Rangnick's team can be proud of their defensive display against France's star-studded attacking line, making the most tackles (27) of any side at the tournament so far. However, their struggles against Les Bleus continued as Austria have now won just one of their last 11 meetings against France in all competitions, with that sole victory coming in 2008.

Austria will still hope to replicate their last-16 run at Euro 2020, their best-ever finish in the competition. They face Poland in Berlin on Friday before concluding their group campaign against the Netherlands.