With Group D also featuring Poland and the Netherlands, France and Austria are under pressure to make a strong start at Euro 2024. The tactical battle between coaches Didier Deschamps and Ralf Rangnick is fascinating. With Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann & Co in their ranks, France are the favourites to claim three points. Our preview will discuss the two teams. We will also outline betting odds and our tips.
Austria vs France: Initial Situation
While 2x Euro winners France are the favourites in Dusseldorf, many fans are predicting a close game. Both nations impressed in qualifying for the tournament. Austria’s experience could help to frustrate France, who are notoriously slow starters in major tournaments.
Austria Stats & Form
Drawn in a qualifying group featuring Belium and Sweden, Austria finished as runners-up. They lost just once in 8 matches, finishing nine points clear of Sweden. Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer was Austria’s top scorer in the campaign, with four goals. Head Coach Rangnick is known for his success at RB Leipzig.
The 65-year-old will have to do without star man David Alaba. The Real Madrid defender is a long-term absentee through injury. Austria demonstrated its capabilities with a 6-1 thrashing of Turkey in March. Their last defeat was back in October last year, coming against Belgium.
France Stats & Form
An unbeaten record in Group B meant France qualified for Euro 2024 in style. Scoring 29 goals and conceding just 3, Les Bleus finished four points clear of the Netherlands. Their 14-0 win over Gibraltar was a record for the competition.
Soon-to-be Real Madrid star Mbappe top scored with 9 goals. However, Deschamps will have been disappointed to see his team beaten 2-0 by hosts Germany in March. France is second in the FIFA world rankings and should make the semi-finals this summer at least. However, they are a nation that is occasionally surrounded by controversy at major tournaments.
Austria vs France: Head to Head
France are unbeaten in three matches against Austria. The two most recently met in the 2022 UEFA Nations League. Following a 1-1 draw in Austria, France ran out 2-0 winners at the Stade de France. Mbappe and Olivier Giroud scored that day and could start against Austria again this summer. Austria beat France 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier in 2008. However, France won the reverse fixture by the same margin.
Austria vs France Odds
Their record in qualifying and the array of talent on offer to manager Deschamps mean that the bookies have France as the favourites to win this Group D match. You can back Les Bleus at odds of 9/20, which still represents good value. An Austrian win in Dusseldorf is priced at 13/2. A draw comes in at 3/1.
Betting tip and prediction: Austria vs France (17/06/2024)
France was on fire in front of goal during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. With vast attacking options, it would not be a surprise should their hot streak continue this summer. This is why we recommend betting on over 2.5 goals being scored during the 90 minutes. Of course, goals from Austria will contribute. Odds of 8/13 are worth taking advantage of.