France eye strong start against Austria in pursuit of overdue third European Championship title

DUSSELDORF – After a shock last-16 exit from Euro 2020 and finishing runners-up as hosts in 2016, France can do themselves a big favour with a decisive win against an in-form Austria on June 17 to stamp their authority on the tournament early on.

Les Bleus have won just about everything in football – several times over – but the European Championship has eluded France for more than two decades, with coach Didier Deschamps taking his second crack at becoming the first man to win the World Cup and Euro as both player and coach.

France have been European champions twice, in 1984 on home soil and most recently in 2000 when a 31-year-old Deschamps was captain.

“Whatever happens, he has left an indelible mark on the French national team,” star striker Kylian Mbappe said of Deschamps, in an interview with French daily Ouest-France.

“Now if he wants to make a bit more history, we need to do something this summer, because the Euro is the only thing he is missing as a coach. After that, he will have ticked every box.”

Austria would typically be no trouble for France but German coach Ralf Rangnick has led a transformation these past two years, with his side imbued with confidence having lost only once in their last 16 matches.

France’s top scorer Olivier Giroud is playing in his last Euro and said a strong early start in Dusseldorf on June 17 could ease some of the pressure in a tournament with quality opposition at every step. Austria have won only one of their last 10 matches against France.

“We tend to say that it is not a decisive match, but it is an important match,” the 37-year-old said on June 14.

“It can put you in a good position and once again manage the last two matches better... by losing this first match, you are obliged almost to win the other two.”

Some commentators argue the biggest threat to France’s chances in Germany are themselves, which was evident when they exited Euro 2020 in the round of 16 on penalties after surrendering a two-goal lead late on to Switzerland.

While much of the pre-tournament buzz has focused on the attacking riches of a strong England side, France are also among the favourites, a tag Giroud said should not weigh heavy.

“This must not torment us, it must give us confidence. But not too much,” he said.

France were uninspiring in pre-tournament games and left-back Lucas Hernandez being ruled out of the tournament means Deschamps will need to be creative in selecting his defence.

A bout of flu in the team has caused some jitters, with lethal Mbappe among those briefly absent from training last week, though back on June 15 and expected to figure against Austria. The 25-year-old is seeking his first European Championship goal.

France and Austria are joined in Group D by the Netherlands and Poland.

Rangnick has won plaudits for astute tactics and a heavy focus on attack and is expected to stick to his trademark high pressing and counter-attacking that could make things uncomfortable for France.

Austria defender Philipp Lienhart said a tough match was ahead but his team will not be adopting a defensive approach.

“We have to be very alert because the players are so good,” he said. “But we definitely will not hide.” REUTERS, AFP