It’s a big day for “Les Bleus.” The French team kicks off its campaign on Monday. In Düsseldorf, against Austria, Didier Deschamps and his men aim to start the tournament in the best possible way.
Before the big match for “Les Bleus,” the first two matches of Group F will take place. Belgium, favored to secure the top spot, will face Slovakia, while Romania will take on Ukraine in the opening game.
16:00: Romania vs. Ukraine
The first match of the day is not just for the team, but for an entire nation. After making it through the playoffs, the Ukrainians have secured a symbolic qualification for this Euro 2024, starting their journey against Romania in Munich. Led by a generation of players competing at the highest level (Vitaliy Mykolenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Andriy Lunin), Ukraine could surprise everyone and embark on a memorable German adventure. However, they will need to overcome Romania, whose team hasn’t participated in a major competition since Euro 2016 in France. The Romanians come off an excellent qualifying campaign, finishing at the top of their group, notably beating Switzerland. They have yet to secure a victory in 2024, though.
19:00: Belgium vs. Slovakia
The first test for Belgium comes with their opening match against Slovakia in Frankfurt. Quarter-finalists in 2021 but eliminated in the group stage in Qatar, the Belgians have bounced back since the arrival of their new coach, Domenico Tedesco, in March 2023. Undefeated under Tedesco, the Italo-German aims for a strong start in his first major tournament with his players. On the other side, Slovakia approaches its third consecutive Euro with an experienced squad, epitomized by Parisian defender Milan Skriniar, and a new forward-thinking philosophy. In an open group, where they will compete with Belgium, Romania and Ukraine, the Slovaks could make their mark, especially if they win this first match.
22:00: France vs. Austria
After an insightful preparation, the serious business begins. The French team, contender for the European championship title, starts its Euro campaign on Monday evening at the Düsseldorf Arena against Austria. After the disappointment of 2021, “Les Bleus,” featuring Mike Maignan, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, aim to impress on the European stage, having never lost the opening match of a major tournament since Didier Deschamps took charge. The first obstacle for the French is Austria, ranked 25th in the world, who had a solid qualifying campaign, finishing just behind Belgium. Under Ralf Rangnick’s leadership, the Austrians have developed an intense playing style, focused on pressing and quick transitions, which the French will need to counter. However, they will be without David Alaba, who is injured and now part of the staff.
