Austria vs France

Austria and France are set to lock horns at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in their opening game of Euro 2024 Group D.

Despite qualifying for their first European Championships in 2008, the Austrians have become a permanent fixture at the tournament, gearing up for their third consecutive appearance. Unbeaten in seven games ahead of this summer’s edition (W6, D1), ‘Das Team’ head into proceedings confident of bettering their run to the round of 16 three years ago. Veteran manager Ralf Rangnick has turned the nation’s fortunes around since taking charge in June 2022, though a 2-0 defeat to France in the 2022 UEFA Nations League in his fifth game at the game was a blemish. That loss forms part of Austria’s disastrous record against ‘Les Bleus,’ having lost seven of their last ten meetings (W1, D2). Confidence stems from commencing their Euro 2020 campaign with a 3-1 win against North Macedonia.

On the other hand, France might have slumped to a scoreless draw against Canada in their final build-up fixture, but they’re among the tournament favorites. After a gut-wrenching penalty shoot-out loss to Argentina at the 2022 World Cup final, ‘Les Bleus’ are seeking redemption, desperate to better a frustrating last-16 exit at Euro 2020. Not since 2000 have the French won the Euro title, but that will not deter Didier Deschamps’ virus-plagued squad from aspiring for the highest placement. France enjoyed a near-flawless Euro 2024 qualifying campaign (W7, D1), forming part of an impressive run of only losing to Germany (twice) since returning from Qatar. A flying start is a virtual certainty, not least because of France’s habit of avoiding defeat in their European Championships opening matches (W6, D3).