The Champions League winner Karim Benzema played 94 minutes against Austria in a UEFA Nations League match, but it was Kylian Mbappe who scored the only goal for the world champions in a surprise draw which leaves Didier Deschamps’s men at the bottom of group A: Austria – France 1-1. PSG’s striker came in the 62nd minute and prevented the ugly defeat by scoring a stunner after a great and quick pass play with Christopher Nkunku, who came in 20 minutes after. Mbappe could have been the hero of the complete turnover, but his second strike hit the bar, while Guendouzi’s excellent chance was saved by the man of the match, Austrian keeper Patrick Pentz. The Austria Wien goalie is the main reason why his country is second in group A, while France remains last, with only 2 points.5 – Kylian Mbappé has been involved in 5 goals in his last 5 games coming off the bench for France (3 goals, 2 assists). Fireman. #AUTFRA pic.twitter.com/2lAvz31J9i— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 10, 2022 Although not so attractive as other countries, Austria proved to be a solid defensive team led by former Manchester’s interim coach Ralf Rangnick, who has a number of experienced players in bigger European clubs (Real, Bayern, Leipzig). They didn’t have much chances throughout the game (3 shots on target) but they used their best one and took the lead through Bristol City man Weimann in the 36th minute. Everything else was France.Benzema had his chances (three of them), Coman also tried, Griezmann as well, but Pentz was on spot each and every time, and only when Deschamps had Nkunku, Benzema and Mbappe leading the line the real aggression in France’s game was visible. Still, they failed to win and are at the bottom of the group with only two points.Croatia managed a win in Copenhagen against group leaders Denmark, with a sole goal from Pašalić in the 69th minute. Croatia withstood the pressure of Denmark in the first half only to gain possession and initiative in the second, which was rewarded with Pašalić’s winner. At the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Croatia broke Denmark’s six home victories streak and regained its confidence ahead of a trip to Paris to face France.UEFA NATIONS LEAGUELEAGUE A, ROUND 1TuesdayGermany – England 1-1 (0-0)/Hofmann 50 – Kane 88 pen/Italy – Hungary 2-1 (2-0)/Barella 30, Pellegrini 45 – Mancini 61 og/WednesdayBelgium – Poland 6-1 (1-1)/Witsel 42, De Bruyne 59, Trossard 73, 80, Dendoncker 83, Openda 90+3 – Lewandowski 28/Wales – Netherlands 1-2 (0-0)/Norrington-Davies 90+2 – Koopermeiners 50, Weghorst 90+4/ThursdayPortugal – Czech R. 2-0 (2-0)/Cancelo 33, Guedes 38/Switzerland – Spain 0-1 (0-1)/Sarabia 13/FridayAustria – France 1:1 (1-0)/Weimann 36 – Mbappe 83/Denmark – Croatia 0-1 (0-0)/Pašalić 69/Saturday21.45: (9.00) Hungary (4.90) Germany (1.40)21.45: (1.90) England (3.50) Italy (4.70)21.45: (4.40) Wales (3.50) Belgium (1.95)21.45: (1.48) Netherlands (4.50) Poland (7.75)Sunday21.45: (3.80) Switzerland (3.50) Portugal (2.10)21.45: (1.40) Spain (4.90) Czech R. (9.00)Monday21.45: (2.00) Denmark (3.50) Austria (4.10)21.45: (1.60) France (3.80) Croatia (7.25)Tuesday21.45: (1.32) England (5.40) Hungary (12.0)21.45: (1.85) Germany (3.70) Italy (4.60)***odds are subject to change
