Mbappe’s broken nose overshadows France’s winning start at Euro 2024
By ReutersFrance delivered a 100th victory for manager Didier Deschamps as they edged a tenacious Austria side 1-0 in their opening Group D match at Euro 2024 but it came at a cost as talisman Kylian Mbappe suffered a suspected broken nose on Monday, June 17.
It was by no means a vintage performance and France required an own goal by Austria defender Max Wober shortly before halftime to secure the three points that put them level on three points with the Netherlands who they face next.
However, three years after bowing out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 to Switzerland on penalties, France offered enough evidence to suggest they will go much deeper in Germany.
It proved a decidedly mixed night for captain Mbappe though as he was left still searching for his first goal in a European Championship after some glaring misses and to add insult to injury then went off dazed and bloodied.
France head coach, Deschamps, was asked about the condition of Mbappe’s nose.
He said, “He’s not good. He’s in a bad state. I don’t know. He’s in the hands of the medical staff. I had a lot of media engagements before coming here so I can’t tell you anymore but he has an ugly nose that’s what is certain. So, we’ll have to see but it’s complicated. That’s obviously put a damper on our evening.”
Asked how bad it was and if it will be the end of the Euros for him, Deschamps explained, “I don’t know. I don’t have the information in front of me. He was taken away by the medical staff and decisions will have to be made. I saw him lying on the massage table. It wasn’t just a scratch. I know he’s always the big talking point – that’s normal – but I can’t give you an accurate answer because I don’t have the information in front of me. As soon as I do, you’ll know.”
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