Jun 17, 2024, Posted by: Ra'eesa Moosa
Introduction
The Euro 2024 qualifiers are in full swing, and one of the most eagerly awaited matches is the showdown between Austria and France. Scheduled for June 17, 2024, this fixture promises intense competition and high stakes. France, the reigning world champions, come into this match as favorites, and for good reason. Below, we delve into an in-depth preview of this critical qualifier, assessing the odds, predictions, and key aspects to watch for.
Team Form and Background
France is currently enjoying a purple patch in international football. Under the astute leadership of Didier Deschamps, they have managed to blend experience with youth seamlessly. The squad is a formidable force, brimming with talent in every position. One name that stands out is Kylian Mbappé. The electrifying forward is crucial to France's attacking prowess, having scored in his last three outings.
Contrastingly, Austria has had a mixed bag of results leading up to this qualifier. They have shown flashes of brilliance but often falter against strong opposition. A big blow for them is the absence of defender Stefan Posch due to suspension, which leaves a gap in their defense line-up. However, Marcel Sabitzer is one to watch. The midfield dynamo has been in scintillating form and is pivotal for any counter-attacking opportunities Austria might create.
Odds and Betting Tips
The odds reflect the form and stature of the respective teams. France is listed at 4/9 to win, a testament to their dominance and quality. Austria, on the other hand, is marked at 7/1, and the likelihood of a draw stands at 3/1. For betting enthusiasts, some reasonable tips are worth considering:
- France to win: Given their current form and depth of squad, it’s a safe bet.
- Both teams to score: Austria may find the net especially through counter-attacks.
- Kylian Mbappé to score anytime: His current scoring streak makes this a probable outcome.
Match Preview and Tactical Analysis
With both teams set to lock horns, let's analyze how the match could unfold. France is expected to dominate possession, using their technical prowess and midfield superiority to control the game’s tempo. Players like N'Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba will be crucial in breaking down Austria's defensive setup. Austria, realizing their strengths lie elsewhere, will probably look to play on the counter. Quick transitions from defense to attack could be their best bet, with Sabitzer's vision and pace leading the charge.
One interesting battle to keep an eye on will be in the middle of the park. Austria's midfielders will have a herculean task trying to disrupt France’s rhythm. Their key approach should be to remain compact and cut out passing lanes, making it harder for France to penetrate. On defense, Austria will miss Posch, which means additional pressure on their backline to keep an eye on Mbappé and his runs beyond the defense.
France's Strengths
France has several strengths that make them favorites. Their bench strength allows for multiple substitutions without compromising quality. Their attack, spearheaded by Mbappé and supported by the likes of Antoine Griezmann, presents a constant threat. Defensively, they are solid with Raphael Varane and Presnel Kimpembe providing stability.
Austria's Opportunities
Despite the odds, Austria has areas where they can capitalize. Set-pieces might be one, especially if David Alaba can deliver precise deliveries. Their morale could be buoyed by home advantage, and an early goal could change dynamics significantly. They need to be clinical because opportunities against a team like France will come at a premium.
Historical Context
The last time Austria beat France was back in 1978, placing a historical burden on them in this matchup. Since then, France has generally dominated their encounters. This history adds another exciting layer to the narrative, as Austria will be eager to break this long-standing jinx.
Conclusion
The Euro 2024 qualifier between Austria and France is more than just a game; it’s a clash of styles, forms, and, perhaps, fate. With France coming in as the clear favorites, the onus lies on Austria to spring a surprise. As the date approaches, football fans worldwide will be keenly watching to see if Austria can turn the tide or if France will march on as expected.
Write a comment
Comments
Jack Fiore
France's depth is insane. Even their bench players could start for half the teams in Europe. Mbappé is just on another level right now. I don't see Austria even getting a shot on target unless France decides to take the foot off the gas.
June 18, 2024 AT 20:11
Antony Delagarza
They say France is the favorite but did you know the entire squad was secretly recruited by a shadowy tech conglomerate? Their stats are manipulated by AI. Look at the timing of Mbappé's goals - always right after a commercial break. Coincidence? I think not. 🤖
June 18, 2024 AT 21:24
Murray Hill
You know, football’s just a game. But the way people get so worked up over it… it’s kind of beautiful. Austria’s got heart. France’s got talent. Neither one’s better than the other. Just different kinds of magic.
June 18, 2024 AT 23:56
Bruce Wallwin
France? Overrated. Mbappé? Overhyped. Austria? Underestimated. And don’t even get me started on the ‘both teams to score’ bet - that’s just a trap for people who don’t know the difference between a cross and a corner.
June 19, 2024 AT 15:59
Letetia Mullenix
i just hope no one gets hurt. like… really. even if france wins, i want everyone to walk off the field okay. football’s supposed to be fun, right?
June 19, 2024 AT 23:06
Morgan Skinner
Let’s not forget the cultural weight here. France represents a legacy of tactical innovation and global influence. Austria? They represent resilience - a small nation punching above its weight, with a fanbase that travels across continents just to watch their team lose. That’s not just football. That’s devotion.
June 20, 2024 AT 12:58
Rachel Marr
Austria’s got a real shot if they stay organized. Sabitzer can make magic happen. And if they get that early goal? The whole stadium will feel like it’s on fire. Don’t count them out - underdogs win more than we think.
June 21, 2024 AT 05:16
Kasey Lexenstar
Oh, so now we’re pretending Austria has a chance? Let me guess - you also think the moon landing was faked and that the Earth is flat. France is 4/9 to win because they’re objectively better. Stop romanticizing mediocrity.
June 22, 2024 AT 03:30
Trevor Mahoney
You ever notice how every time France plays, the ref always gives them a penalty in the 89th minute? And how the VAR always works in their favor? And how the broadcasters always cut to the French president clapping? It’s not just football - it’s a global media operation. The whole thing is rigged. They’ve been doing this since 1998. They don’t even need to play - they just need to show up.
June 22, 2024 AT 07:13
Jitendra Patil
France? Pfft. They won the World Cup because the referees were bought by the French government. Meanwhile, Austria has real football culture - their fans sing for 90 minutes, not just when the ball’s in play. And Sabitzer? He’s the real MVP. Mbappé? Just a glorified sprinter with a fancy contract.
June 23, 2024 AT 04:04
Michelle Kaltenberg
I must say, as a lifelong supporter of the beautiful game, I find it profoundly disheartening that the media continues to glorify the so-called ‘superpowers’ while diminishing the noble spirit of nations like Austria. This match is not about odds - it is about dignity, legacy, and the unyielding will of a people who refuse to be silenced.
June 23, 2024 AT 21:45
Jared Ferreira
I’ve watched Austria play three times this season. They’re not flashy, but they’re disciplined. If they hold their shape and don’t panic after 20 minutes, they can make this interesting. France’s defense isn’t perfect - they get sloppy when they think they’re winning.
June 24, 2024 AT 10:23
Kurt Simonsen
Mbappé is gonna score. Again. 😎🔥 France wins 3-0. Austria’s defense is a house of cards. Sabitzer? Cute. But he’s not gonna save them. Just wait - it’s gonna be a massacre. #FranceOverEverything
June 25, 2024 AT 07:04
Shelby Mitchell
Austria’s got a chance if they stay calm. France will dominate. But football’s funny like that.
June 26, 2024 AT 00:08
mona panda
why does everyone act like france is gonna win? they lost to morocco last world cup. and austria beat germany last year. maybe the odds are wrong?
June 26, 2024 AT 09:32
Evangeline Ronson
There’s something deeply human about this matchup. France carries the weight of expectation - the legacy of Zidane, Platini, Deschamps. Austria carries the quiet hope of a nation that hasn’t beaten them in 46 years. It’s not about tactics or odds. It’s about legacy versus longing. And sometimes, longing wins.
June 27, 2024 AT 03:01
Cate Shaner
Let’s be real - the entire betting market is a behavioral economics experiment. The 4/9 odds are a classic anchoring heuristic designed to lure retail bettors into the ‘safe’ option while the bookmakers hedge on the draw and BTTS. Also, Sabitzer’s xG per 90 is actually lower than his 2021 output - so the ‘scintillating form’ narrative is pure media fabrication. 📊
Author
Ra'eesa Moosa
I am a journalist with a keen interest in covering the intricate details of daily events across Africa. My work focuses on delivering accurate and insightful news reports. Each day, I strive to bring light to the stories that shape our continent's narrative. My passion for digging deeper into issues helps in crafting stories that not only inform but also provoke thought.