In Summary
- Surprise return of N’Golo Kante after a two-year international exile raised eyebrows.
- Kante dismissed any concerns about his decision to play in Saudi Arabia.
France’s opening Euro 2024 match against Austria was covered in uncertainty. The remaining doubt surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s fitness cast a shadow, and the surprise return of N’Golo Kante after a two-year international exile raised eyebrows.
However, by the final whistle, one name dominated the post-match discussions – Kante.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who had many questioning his decision to move to the Saudi Pro League, silenced his doubters with a performance that defied time and geography. Gone were the concerns about a drop in form due to a perceived lower standard of play. Kante was everywhere on the pitch, his relentless energy reminiscent of the days that propelled him to the top of the football world.
Austria, known for their physical approach, found themselves constantly stopped by Kante’s tireless work ethic.
He acted as an impenetrable shield, snuffing out attacks before they could gain momentum.
But Kante wasn’t just a defensive rock. His engine didn’t sputter as the game progressed. He surged forward to support French attacks deep into enemy territory, showcasing his often-underrated passing ability.
Didier Deschamps, the French manager, spoke with quiet satisfaction about Kante’s return. “We knew what we were doing when we recalled him,” he said, a hint of vindication in his voice. “His intelligence and reading of the game were invaluable tonight.”
READ also: Mbappe To Return With ‘Protective Mask” For His Broken Nose
Kante’s Impact
The impact Kante had on his teammates was equally profound.
Marcus Thuram, speaking before the match, jokingly (or perhaps not so jokingly) described training sessions with Kante as a nightmare. “We can’t play anymore,” he lamented. “As soon as he’s on our team, we know we’ve won.”
When Kylian Mbappe, France’s talisman, was forced off the pitch with a suspected broken nose, the weight of responsibility shifted. In a surprising turn of events, the captain’s armband fell upon Kante’s unassuming shoulders for the first time in his international career.
“It was an honor, but unexpected,” Kante admitted with his trademark humility after being named man of the match. “I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but it felt good to be back in that competitive environment.”
Kante dismissed any concerns about his decision to play in Saudi Arabia. “The expectations are high there too,” he countered. “I always give my all, and that’s what I want to do here as well.”
While the narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of an Austrian own goal, left Deschamps with a tinge of disappointment, the bigger worry was undoubtedly Mbappe’s injury. “It doesn’t look good,” he admitted. “We’ll need a thorough medical assessment. We’re a stronger team with Kylian, but we’ll have to adapt if he’s unavailable.”
France may face an uncertain future without Mbappe, but one thing is clear the tireless engine of N’Golo Kante has roared back to life, and his presence injects a powerful dose of optimism into the French campaign.
