N'Golo Kante: France Coach Didier Deschamps Reacts to Al Ittihad Star's Display Against Austria

• France manager Didier Deschamps has lauded midfielder N'Golo Kante after France defeated Austria
• The former champions got off to a winning start in Group D after a 1-0 victory over Austria in Dusseldorf
• Kante, who plies his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad was named Man of the Match after the win

France coach, Didier Deschamps is full of praise for midfielder N'Golo Kante after a Man of the Match performance in the victory over Austria on Monday, June 17, 2024.

The two-time world champions laboured to a 1-0 victory in Group D's opener to get off to a winning start at the European Championship in Germany.

A Maximilian Wöber first-half own goal was enough for Les Blues to move joint-top in Group D with the Netherlands.

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Kante made a crucial interception five minutes from time as France withstood a late onslaught from their opponents.

The former Chelsea midfielder, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia was named Player of the Match at the end of the game.

Deschamps happy with Kante's return

Deschamps is delighted to have Kante back after missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury," he said in the post-match interview, as quoted by TF1.

"He missed out on the World Cup with an injury. Since then, he’s rediscovered his athletic and footballing abilities."

"There's never any issue when it comes to N'Golo. He’s an angel, everyone loves him. There are no guarantees, of course, but I can tell you that he is very happy.

"The situation was very clear in my mind, I wanted him to return to his best on the pitch, and in the meantime give some playing time to the younger players.

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"I believe that the French national team is better with him, that’s why I made the decision."

France will next face the Netherlands as they eye an early Round of 16 progress, per UEFA.

Fans praise Kante after Austria display

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that France midfielder, N'Golo Kante was all over social media following his starring performance in the Group D opener against Austria.

The Saudi-based midfielder produced a late recovery tackle to stop Austria from getting an equaliser in the hard-fought win on Monday, June 17, 2024.

A first-half own goal from Maximilian Wöber was enough as France secured all three points at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.