Austria boss Ralf Rangnick has urged his side to get the result they need against the Netherlands on Tuesday to avoid the “complicated” scenario from finishing third.
The Austrians will guarantee one of the top two spots in Group D if they beat the Dutch.
A draw or defeat, however, means they will likely finish third and hope to progress as one of the best third-placed sides.
“I prefer to finish first but we have to win and France not to, and it’s not very likely for both of those things to happen,” Rangnick said.
“I would take second place, third place is too complicated, I looked at it but I gave up because it’s too complicated.
“The main goal is to get to the last 16 and then after the last few games we’ll see.”
Austria reached the last 16 of Euro 2020 – the first time they had played in the knockout rounds of a major tournament since 1954.
They are hoping to at least reach the quarter-finals at a European Championship for the first time.
Austria captain Marko Arnautovic says he is loving Euro 2024 and hopes they will remain in the tournament for as long as possible.
“This one has been amazing, lots of fun,” said the Inter Milan striker.
“The optimal scenario would be to win [against the Netherlands] and then we’ll see but most important is Tuesday’s game.”