UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
18 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Düsseldorf Arena
MATCH TIMES
India
12:30 AM
UAE
11:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
09:45 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram
Austria possible starting lineup: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wober, Mwene; Siewald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Sabitzer, Baumgartner; Gregoritsch
Match Preview
The Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf will host the concluding Euro 2024 match on Monday, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Austria and France in Group D. This match pits an in-form Austrian side against the title favorites, France.
Austria: Formidable Under Rangnick
Austria, under the leadership of Ralf Rangnick, has emerged as a formidable team in recent times. Despite finishing just one point behind Belgium in their qualifying group, Austria managed six wins out of eight matches, signaling their potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Their previous Euro campaigns in 2008 and 2016 ended without a single win, but they broke that streak in Euro 2020 by advancing to the knockout stages before losing to Italy in extra time.
Since a 3-2 loss to Belgium in the qualifiers, Austria has enjoyed a strong run of form, winning six consecutive matches before a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. This makes their only defeat in the last 16 matches an anomaly, showing their consistency and attacking prowess. However, Austria faces a challenging group with France, Poland, and the Netherlands.
Austria's squad has been hit by injuries, with key players like David Alaba, Sasa Kalajdzic, and Xaver Schlager sidelined. Nonetheless, veteran striker Marko Arnautovic is available, and Michael Gregoritsch is expected to start up front. Right-back Stefan Posch has returned from injury and is likely to feature in the defense, with Gernot Trauner's absence from training on Friday seen as precautionary.
France: Seeking Redemption
France, led by Didier Deschamps, comes into Euro 2024 with a point to prove. Despite winning the World Cup in 2018 and the Nations League in 2021, they experienced heartbreak in the last two major tournaments. A penalty miss by Kylian Mbappe led to a shock last-16 exit at Euro 2020, and a penalty shootout defeat to Argentina in the World Cup 2022 final despite Mbappe's Golden Boot-winning performance.
France has a strong history in the Euros, with titles in 1984 and 2000, and their qualifying campaign was impressive, including a record 14-0 win over Gibraltar. However, recent performances have been mixed, including a goalless draw with Canada in their final warm-up match.
The French squad is star-studded but has faced some injury concerns. Kingsley Coman is expected to be available despite illness, and Mbappe is ready to play after a minor knee issue. However, Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni is still recovering from a foot injury, likely resulting in Juventus' Adrien Rabiot starting in midfield. Arsenal's William Saliba is also expected to start in defense, with Ibrahima Konate moving to the bench.
Matchup Overview
Austria’s strong recent form under Rangnick and France’s quest for redemption set the stage for an intriguing encounter. Austria’s consistency and ability to score in recent matches will be tested against a French side boasting immense talent and experience.
Key Players to Watch:
Austria: Michael Gregoritsch (likely striker), Marko Arnautovic (veteran striker), Stefan Posch (defender)
France: Kylian Mbappe (forward), Adrien Rabiot (midfielder), William Saliba (defender)
The match promises to be a tactical and entertaining battle, with both teams eager to make a strong start in their Euro 2024 campaign.