Austria vs France: An In-Depth Preview of the Euro 2024 Group D Clash

As the excitement for Euro 2024 builds, all eyes will be on the Group D opener between France and Austria. Scheduled to take place on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, this match promises to be a riveting encounter between two highly competitive teams. France, under the guidance of Didier Deschamps, has its sights set firmly on the trophy, but the in-form Austrian team, led by Ralf Rangnick, stands in their way.

France's Stellar Squad

There is no doubt that France is entering Euro 2024 as one of the heavy favourites. With a roster brimming with talent, the French team is a force to be reckoned with. Kylian Mbappe, who recently secured a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, will likely be the centre of attention. Alongside him are the likes of Antoine Griezmann, who remains a pivotal figure in midfield, and the dynamic Ousmane Dembele. France's backline, featuring stalwarts like Dayot Upamecano and Ferland Mendy, will be instrumental in keeping Austria at bay. Despite the absence of Lucas Hernandez and Wesley Fofana due to injuries, France's squad depth remains enviable.

France's recent track record is impressive, having either won or reached the finals in three of the last four major international tournaments. However, their unexpected exit in the last 16 at Euro 2020 serves as a stark reminder that even the best teams can't afford to rest on their laurels. This history will undoubtedly fuel their determination to prevent any slip-ups this time around.

Austria's Rise Under Rangnick

Austria, often seen as the underdog, has made significant strides under the management of Ralf Rangnick. The team's form speaks volumes, with only one loss in their last 16 matches, including notable victories against football giants like Italy and Germany. Their tactical acumen and tenacity make them a formidable opponent for any team. Although they will miss the leadership of Real Madrid's David Alaba due to an ACL injury, Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer is a capable captain who will lead by example on the field.

Other key players to watch include Marko Arnautovic, whose experience and goal-scoring ability cannot be underestimated, and Bayern Munich's Konrad Laimer, who adds solidity to Austria's midfield. The absence of Alaba is certainly a blow, but the collective strength and resilience of Rangnick's squad ensure that Austria remains a credible threat.

Predicted Lineups

For Austria, the expected formation is a 4-2-3-1, with Patrick Pentz likely to start in goal. The defensive line could feature Philipp Mwene, Kevin Danso, Maximilian Wober, and Stefan Posch. Nicolas Seiwald and Konrad Laimer are anticipated to anchor the midfield, with a trio of Christoph Baumgartner, Marcel Sabitzer, and Romano Schmid supporting striker Michael Gregoritsch.

France is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Mike Maignan might be the starting goalkeeper, with a back four of Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Ferland Mendy. The midfield could see Antoine Griezmann, Eduardo Camavinga, and Adrien Rabiot pulling the strings, while the attacking trident may comprise Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, and Kylian Mbappe.

Match Expectations and Predictions

This game is anticipated to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to make a strong start in the tournament. France's attacking prowess and depth give them a slight edge, but Austria's impressive form and tactical discipline mean they won't be easily overpowered. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 BST, with Jesus Gil Manzano from Spain as the referee and Juan Martinez Munuera overseeing the VAR duties.

Experts predict a 2-1 victory for France, considering their superior squad and experience in major tournaments. However, fans can expect a thrilling encounter where Austria's determination and strategic approach could spring a surprise. As the two teams take the field in Dusseldorf, the stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling start to their Euro 2024 campaigns.