In a clash of titans in Group D of the Euro 2024 tournament, France emerged victorious against Austria with a score of 1-0. This match was a significant one for Kylian Mbappe, as he donned the captain’s armband for the first time in a major international tournament. Although Mbappe has featured in previous World Cups and the Euro 2020 edition, he was not previously named captain. Notably, he had a less than stellar performance in the Euro 2020 tournament, failing to find the net in France’s four games before their Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Switzerland via penalties.
However, in this match, Mbappe’s influence was undeniable. His clever cut-back pass into the box resulted in an own-goal by Max Wober, ultimately deciding the fate of the match. Wober’s attempted headed clearance inadvertently sent the ball into his own net, granting France a hard-fought victory. With this crucial win, France sets its sights on the next stage of the Euro 2024 tournament, fueled by Mbappe’s leadership and a taste of success.