GOAL rates all of the Bleus on show as Real Madrid's new Galactico missed a glorious chance before suffering a suspected broken nose
France kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Austria on Monday night but the World Cup runners-up did not impress – or nor did star man Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid's new signing may have been involved in the key moment of the game, with Max Wober somehow contriving to head Mbappe's cross past his own goalkeeper, but the winger was guilty of squandering a glorious chance to put the game to bed after finding himself one-on-one with Patrick Pentz.
Truth be told, a second goal would have flattered France, who took the lead out of nothing – and, even more frustratingly for Austria, just seconds after they had been denied a clear corner after Mike Maignan had made a huge save from Christoph Baumgartner, who had been put in on goal by Marcel Sabitzer's sublime lay-off.
Austria applied even more pressure during the closing stages of the game but France, as they so often do, found a way to win in spite of an underwhelming display from several star men, including Mbappe, whose evening ended early with him being substituted because of a suspected broken nose.
Below, GOAL rates all of the France players on show in Dusseldorf…
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Mike Maignan (7/10):
By no means over-worked but made an absolutely vital save from Baumgartner with his foot when the Austrian seemed certain to score.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Decent from a defensive perspective but doesn't offer much going forward.
Dayot Upamecano (6/10):
Made plenty of clearances but always looks like a liability in possession.
William Saliba (7/10):
Nearly gave the ball away in a dangerous position at one point but was his usual composed self for the most part, always willing to break the lines. Also hoovered up possession for France.
Theo Hernandez (8/10):
A wonderful attacking outlet down the left flank, the AC Milan star was involved in most of France's best moves during the first half.
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N'Golo Kante (7/10):
His recall raised eyebrows but there were undeniable flashes of the old Kante during a dynamic display, particularly during one brilliant break that he started by winning possession high up the field, while he also made a vital interception in the closing stages. His passing wasn't great at times, though.
Adrien Rabiot (6/10):
Got forward well during the first half but his influence faded the longer the game wore on, which was no surprise given he was a fitness doubt beforehand. Subbed with 20 minutes to go.
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Ousmane Dembele (6/10):
Caused all sorts of problems with his pace and quick feet during the opening period, getting two opponents booked for reckless challenges. But his end product remains a serious source of frustration, so it was hardly a shock to see him replaced not long after he'd picked up a yellow card himself.
Antoine Griezmann (5/10):
A frustrating night for the versatile attacker, who was uncharacteristically loose in possession, while he also took a nasty blow to the face after being sent flying into the advertising hoardings.
Marcus Thuram (5/10):
Didn't take his chance to impress at all, taking the wrong option on more than one occasion.
Kylian Mbappe (6/10):
Obviously deserves credit for the run and cross that effectively won France the game but this was nothing like vintage Mbappe. His one-on-one miss after racing away from the Austrian defence beggared belief. Seemed to break his nose late on and was subbed.
Getty Subs & Manager
Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):
Took over in midfield from Rabiot in the 71st minute and put himself about.
Randal Kolo Muani (N/A):
Came on in place of Thuram but was unable to make an impact.
Youssouf Fofana (N/A):
Replaced Griezmann in the dying minutes.
Olivier Giroud (N/A):
The veteran striker was only brought on late in the game but was guilty of a shocking miss.
Didier Deschamps (5/10):
A winning start for the Bleus boss but a performance that arguably raised more questions than it answered. France's forward line failed to fire, while they didn't dominate in midfield at all and his subs didn't make much of an impression on the game.