Max Wober’s own goal gave France a 1-0 victory over Austria in Group D to start their Euro 2024 campaign.
The Leeds United defender attempted to deal with Kylian Mbappe’s cross by nodding past his own custodian. One goal was enough to win it, but the outcome was marred by what Didier Deschamps referred to as Mbappe’s “black mark”—a late nose injury.
After an unintentional collision, the France attacker allegedly left the pitch with a bloodied nose and was transported to the hospital. After the fact, Deschamps acknowledged that the nose is “probably” broken. “His nose is not good at all,” he remarked.
With only one loss in their previous 16 games, Austria entered the match seemingly rejuvenated under Ralf Rangnick, who is adopting a pressuring approach. For a large portion of the first half, it worked well for them, and Christoph Baumgartner ought to have opened the score.
But Mike Maignan, the France custodian, stopped him from close range, and Austria quickly suffered the consequences. Wober was limited to turning his cross past his own goalie and into the net when Mbappe reached the by-line on the right.
France was able to counterattack in the second half thanks to their lead at the half, which clearly put Austria in jeopardy. When he sprinted clear, Mbappe had the opportunity to double the lead, but he was only able to measure his shot wide.
Due to Austria’s inability to create a decisive opening and France’s struggle to find that second, the ending was tense. Rangnick will continue to believe that they can advance from Group D. Naturally, France will have considerably higher goals.
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