Euro 2024: France and Austria Battle to a Tense Goalless Draw

France and Austria played out a tight 0-0 draw in their Euro 2024 match, with Kylian Mbappe coming closest to scoring for the world champions.

France began their Euro 2024 campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Austria in Bucharest. Despite fielding a star-studded lineup led by Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and Antoine Griezmann, Les Bleus failed to find the breakthrough against a resolute Austrian defense.

The match started off brightly, with both teams showing attacking intent. Mbappe, in particular, was a constant threat to the Austrian defense, using his pace and skill to create several chances for himself and his teammates. However, Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz was in inspired form, making several key saves to keep his side in the game.

Euro 2024: France and Austria Battle to a Tense Goalless Draw

As the first half wore on, France began to dominate possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Austria, on the other hand, were content to sit back and absorb pressure, looking to hit France on the counterattack. The best opportunity of the half fell to Mbappe, who fired a powerful shot from the edge of the area that Pentz expertly tipped over the bar.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with France enjoying more of the ball but failing to create enough meaningful chances. Mbappe continued to be a threat, but his teammates seemed unable to provide him with the necessary support. Austria, meanwhile, gradually grew in confidence and began to pose a greater threat on the break.

Substitute Marko Arnautovic had a glorious chance to win the game for Austria in the closing stages, but his header from close range was brilliantly saved by Hugo Lloris. In the end, both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils, leaving them with plenty of work to do in their remaining Group A matches.

France manager Didier Deschamps was understandably disappointed with the result, saying: "We were not good enough in the final third. We had the chances to win the game, but we didn't take them. Austria defended very well, but we should have found a way to break them down."

Austria coach Franco Foda, on the other hand, was delighted with his team's performance, saying: "We played very well today. We were organized and disciplined, and we made it difficult for France to create chances. We're very happy with the point."

France will next face Romania in Bucharest on Friday, while Austria will play Ukraine in Bucharest on the same day.

**France:** Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Konate, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Benzema

**Austria:** Pentz; Lainer, Lienhart, Dragovic, Alaba; Schlager, Baumgartner; Sabitzer, Grillitsch, Weimann; Arnautovic