They had spoken. A lot. Much more than they were used to. And not to say that we have to take the matches one after the other or that the important thing is the three points.
After their political positions, the Blues were expected on another ground. That of Düsseldorf. To meet the immense expectations that accompany their status as vice-world champion and their potential which has few equivalents to make them a tournament favorite.
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What did Europe see in Düsseldorf? A French team which thwarted the Austrian trap that it feared so much, with this intensity which had made the Devils suffer so much and which was expressed more in the duels, bitter and very muscular, than in the game. A formation which is also still looking for itself. Logically.
In its recent history, the eleven that starts a tournament on the French side is rarely the one that finishes it. But at the start as at the finish, there will undoubtedly be a Kanté in the middle who the world has also seen again. Or rather N’Golo and Kanté, as the middle, through its activity, gives the impression of splitting itself, running for two, raking for three and even sometimes playing for the rest. Kanté is still so small. Always so nice. And still unique in his genre, he who has already made himself indispensable despite his Saudi exile.
The environment has taken care of a lot of things but it can’t do everything either, which is somewhat reassuring.
Marking is not part of his remit and Didier Deschamps theoretically has enough weapons for that.
Starting with Mbappé who came up against Pentz (9th) while also missing another duel with the Austrian goalkeeper, as if he had had too much time to manage his face-to-face (55th). Neither Thuram (67th and 83rd), nor Griezmann, a little too short on this cross from Hernandez (66th) showed any more efficiency.
France dominates Austria by the smallest gap but loses Mbappé, his nose possibly fractured (1-0)
Which outlines the margin of progress for these Blues who scored on an own goal from Wöber who had no other choice in front of Griezmann than to deflect this cross from Mbappé into his net at a time when the Austrians were not could no longer face the French percussion (38th).
The story could have been completely different if Maignan had not been a giant against Baumgartner at the end of an action where Upamecano got lost (36th). Like Hernandez later. The left-hander’s loss of the ball this time forced the goalkeeper to put his head where others would not even dare to put their foot (79th).
The goalkeeper in any case dispelled doubts and proved that he had to be counted on at the end of a match that Mbappé, with his nose visibly broken, did not finish. Finished stewed.
Composition
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wöber (59th Trauner), Mwene (88th Pras); Seiwald, Grillitsch (59th Wimmer); Laimer (90th+1 Schmid), Sabitzer, Baumgartner; Gregoritsch (59th Arnautovic).
France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Griezmann (90th Fofana), Kanté, Rabiot (71st Camavinga); Dembélé (71st Kolo Muani), Mbappé (90th Giroud), Thuram.
Referee: Mr. Gil Manzano (Esp).
Warnings: Wöber, Mwene, Dembélé, Baumgartner, Laimer, Mbappé, Danso.
The goal: 38th csc Wöber
Top & Flop
N’Golo Kanté – 8/10: He came back as he left, giving the impression that he is everywhere. In a formation that seeks balance, he brings so much in the midfield with his sense of compensation and anticipation which makes him unique. Unmissable, already.
Stefan Posch – 4/10: Whether facing Thuram or Mbappé who alternated in his zone, the right side suffered a lot in the game on the ground, multiplying the mistakes like his partners. Offensively, given the threat, he barely ventured into his lane.
