France vs Austria – Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as Kylian Mbappe leads a star-studded Didier Deschamps’ side who are one of the tournament favourites out against Ralf Rangnick’s in-form Austrian side
What Rangnick had to say about Austria’s opener against France
‘With France we might have the strongest opponents of all right at the start [of the tournament]. They are the absolute favourites for the title, not only at this Euro, but also in two years at the World Cup.
‘France surely must be the nation with the highest quality. Even if the starting XI are injured, the 11 substitutes are not much weaker. So the first match will be a huge challenge.
‘Afterwards, we’ll see. We’ll only know our next opponents in March after the play-off games. And then the third match is against the Netherlands.
‘If you want to get through that group, you’ll need at least four, but maybe even five or six points, and we’re aware of that situation.’
TEAM NEWS: Saliba starts in the heart of France’s defence
France XI: Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez, Kante, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram, Mbappe
Subs: Samba, Pavard, Mendy, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Giroud, Muani, Zaire Emery, Fofana, Coman, Clauss, Areola, Konate, Barcola
TEAM NEWS: Sabitzer starts for Austria
Breaking: Wow… Slovakia have BEATEN Belgium!
Who saw this coming?
Belgium have fallen to a shock defeat at the hands of Slovakia, courtesy of a first-half goal from Ivan Schranz.
Romelu Lukaku had the ball in the back of the net twice for Belgium in the second half but both goals were later ruled out by VAR.
Read our match report below
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia: Romelu Lukaku has TWO goals disallowed
France and Austria are in the building!
Both sets of players have arrived at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf ahead of kick-off in around an hour’s time.
It must be said the Austrians are looking very dapper having arrived suited and booted for the opening game, while Les Bleus are keeping things relaxed in their tracksuits.
TEAM GUIDE – Austria: They’re ready to shock the continent… but how far can Ralf Rangnick’s side go after near-perfection in qualifiers?
Austria will go into this European Championship as one of the dark horses, believe it or not.
While history may not favour them, they will want to rewrite it following their impressive rise over the past two years under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick.
Before his arrival in April 2022, Austria were known to be dull and fans had fallen out of love with their own national team.
READ MORE BELOW
EURO 2024 TEAM GUIDE – AUSTRIA: In-form side are ready to shock
TEAM GUIDE – France: Can Les Bleus get over their recent European Championship hoodoo?
As the runners and riders are weighed up ahead of Euro 2024 this summer, there are few teams with more quality, experience and knowhow across their playing and coaching staff than France.
Alongside the likes of England, Portugal, Spain and Germany, Didier Deschamps’ side are one of the favourites to go all the way when the tournament gets underway on June 14.
An embarrassing exit from Euro 2020 in the last-16 to Switzerland has been sandwiched by a first and second place finish at two World Cups and they are certainly not a team to be taken lightly.
READ MORE BELOW
EURO 2024 TEAM GUIDE – France: Mbappe leads Deschamps’ starry side
Less than 20 minutes to play in the 5pm kick-off…
We could be on for a major upset here. Slovakia are currently leading Belgium by a goal to nil and there’s less than 20 minutes of normal time left.
Click the link below to follow Mail Sport’s minute-by-minute coverage.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia – Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates
Revealed: How Rangnick revitalised Austria and got them singing from the same hymn sheet
When Ralf Rangnick left his role as Manchester United interim boss in May 2022, derided and mocked after a difficult spell in charge, there were serious questions marks over what was next for the experienced German coach.
Rangnick was about to turn 64 and although he had been extremely successful in both his homeland and Austria – where Rangnick was widely credited as the architect of the Red Bull footballing empire – the chastening experience at Old Trafford raised questions about his relevance in the modern game.
Yet, even the most optimistic of Rangnick’s supporters could perhaps not have imagined what would would subsequently unfold.
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How Ralf Rangnick rejuvenated Austria (and his own coaching career)
It’s culinary warfare in Germany!
First it was spaghetti, now it’s baguettes.
Just days after Albanian fans snapped the dry pasta in half in front of Italian faces, the Austrians have taken it a step further.
In another comedic exchange, one Austrian supporter has one baguette held hostage, with a worried Frenchman looking on and begging for mercy, before it’s snapped before his eyes.
It’s all in jest though and they have a warm embrace afterwards.
The atmosphere is building in Dusseldorf
Thousands upon thousands of France and Austria supporters are marching to the
Both sets of fans are bringing the party atmosphere which is exactly what everyone wants to see.
Good evening everyone!
And welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for the third and final group stage game of the day – France versus Austria.
It’ll be the first look we get at Kylian Mbappe this tournament, with plenty of eyes on the Frenchman following his huge announcement that he will be joining Real Madrid for next season.
However, they should expect no walkovers in Austria.
Ralf Rangnick’s men (yes, the same Rangnick who endured a horror interim spell at Man United) are flying are unbeaten in seven matches coming into the tournament and are revitalised under his stewardship.
It promises to be an intriguing match-up and a potential banana skin for France could be on the cards if they aren’t at the races.
Kick-off is two hours away so sit tight with Mail Sport and we’ll bring you all the build-up to the final instalment of today’s group-stage action.
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