Euro 2024: France battle past Austria but Mbappé suffers broken nose

It was by no means a vintage performance though and France required an own goal by Austria defender Max Wober just before halftime to secure the three points.

But, three years after bowing out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 to Switzerland, France offered enough evidence to suggest they will be go much deeper in Germany.

It proved a very mixed night for France’s captain Mbappé, though, as he was left still searching for his first goal in a European Championship and went off bloodied late on.

On his 80th appearance for Les Bleus the 25-year-old’s wing wizardry broke Austria’s resistance in the 38th minute when his dribble past three defenders and cross caused the unfortunate Wober to head past his goalkeeper Patrick Pentz.

But Mbappé also wasted a glorious chance to make things more comfortable for his side in the 54th minute, surprising virtually everyone in the stadium as he shot wide of the post after bursting through on goal.

The star striker’s head violently collided with the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso as they competed for the ball in the air. Mbappé left the pitch in the 90th minute as blood poured from his broken nose.

The French captain was finally substituted in a chaotic end to the match.