Austria vs France Preview

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick believes his side have enough about them to upset two-time Euro winners and World Cup finalists France when both arrive at the Dusseldorf Arena to kick-off their campaign and play out the remaining group D opener.

France come into the tournament as favorites, and with a star-studded squad, including Kylian Mbappe, returning N'golo Kante, and Antoine Griezmann, it is understandable why many are predicting them to reach the final at the bare minimum.

However, as seen in the last edition of the Euro’s, everyone is susceptible to a shock exit, and when Mbappe missed the decisive penalty in the shootout against Switzerland in the second round of the last Euros, it showed that even certified trophy contenders can be caught napping.

Cool

Here is Yann Sommer saving Mbappe’s penalty. pic.twitter.com/Z8sdMFZPAQ https://t.co/v76yQoEjec

— Jack Meenan (@jackmeenan15) June 12, 2024

However, before concerning themselves with the knockout stages, the first priority for France is to escape the group, which is far from the easiest at the tournament, containing dark horses the Netherlands, a Lewandowski-led Poland team, and today’s adversaries Austria.

Austria have a young squad, but former Manchester-United coach Rangnick has shaped them into a well-drilled machine that utilizes a high press to unsettle opponents. His team have lost just one of their last 16 games in a run that includes victories over Germany, Italy, Turkey and Serbia, and they won six of their eight qualifying games.

🚨 | No to Bayern! ❌

Ralf Rangnick has turned down the opportunity to become Bayern Munich head coach.

Rangnick will remain as the Austria head coach beyond the Euros this summer.

(@cfbayern) pic.twitter.com/bJsAG6ZYVq

— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) May 2, 2024

Despite winning just one of their last 10 games against France, Rangnick exuded excitement and subtle confidence in his pre-match press conference, saying: “We prepared for over 2 years for this day. It’s finally starting for us. We are really excited.’

France’s leading man Kylian Mbappe, who joins Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the month, stated: “I’m ready to give everything to help the team, whether it is up front, on the left or on the bench. I’ll adapt.”

Things you need to know

Austria form: WWWWD France form: DLWWL Host stadium: The Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf. Kick-off: 8pm GMT Where to watch: ITV1

Predicted lineups

Austria (4-3-3): Pentz (GK), Posch, Leinhart, Trauner, Mwene, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Laimer, Wimmer, Gregoritsch, Baumgartner.

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan (GK), Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, Hernandez, Kante, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Coman, Mbappe.

Match prediction

While France are obvious favorites, their recent form coming into this game leaves something to be desired. Just two wins in their last five games, which includes poor draws against Greece and Canada, and a defeat to tournament hosts Germany, their preparation for the Euros has been less than ideal.

However, while Austria’s form has been levels above where France have been in recent games, they lack that star power that can turn a game on its head in moments, something that France have in abundance. I don’t think it will be easy, but I think France have just about enough on the pitch to get over the line against a stubborn opposition. 2-1 France.

Stop that France. pic.twitter.com/RX4QyhXbv6

— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) October 11, 2023