Die Fußballnationalmannschaft: Schlussdrache, trotz Niederlage ein "guter Anspiel" für die DFB-Auswahl
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Gaming Remains Popular Among Fans Despite German National Team's Loss: Maintaining Optimism and Camaraderie - Battling to a loss, the DFB team finds solace in a sense of camaraderie and achievement
Julian Nagelsmann applauded each player seismically and even the audience applauded the German squad on their lap of honor. The DFB squad had already lost the Nations League trophy in the Final Four tournament against Portugal, and it didn't get any better with a 0:2 (0:1) loss against France, ending up in third place.
"I think if you look at the opportunities and the way we played, it wasn't deserved. Unfortunately, goals are also a part of football," said Nagelsmann on RTL. In total, the 37-year-old drew a positive conclusion after the match against the Parisian force featuring their scintillating superstar, Kylian Mbappé: "The game today felt good, just not the result."
He encouraged the team, looking ahead to the upcoming games this year after the summer break: "If we're willing to invest as much in every (World Cup) qualifier as we did today, we'll win the games." They demonstrated that even with absences, they can generate ten impressive chances against a top team, they just couldn't seal the deal.
Kimmich's verdict: "We lacked patience"
Subpar finishing, particularly in the first half, and Franco-French performances in the second half kept the third consecutive victory against Le Grande Nation at bay. Mbappé opened the scoring for the guests right before halftime in front of an exuberant crowd of 51,313 spectators in Stuttgart. Then, the French captain set up Bayern forward, Michael Olise, for the clinching goal (84'),
"Looking at the first half, we should have been leading 3:0 after six minutes," said Germany captain, Joshua Kimmich: "In the second half, we lost a little bit of patience," Kimmich added.
"It was only 0:1, not 0:3. But then we got caught on the counter-attack again. We were in possession too impatiently and made too many mistakes. That's perfect for the French," emphasized the Bavarian fortress soldier: "If you look at the first half honestly, they didn't even seem to want to win and still won."
Unlike the disappointing 1:2 loss in the semifinal against Portugal, Nagelsmann's team didn't make many mistakes this time. However, they lacked precision and fortune, like Florian Wirtz's post shot (37'). A VAR controversy stemmed from a disallowed goal by Deniz Undav (53') and a contentious penalty call against Adeyemi.
A lack of cool-headedness in the finishing
Overall, it was an excellent year for the national team, but it ended with two defeats, falling short of the anticipated momentum a year before the World Cup. France emerged triumphant three days after their 4-5 thriller against European champions, Spain, while Portugal, their final opponents that evening in Munich, also celebrated.
"We need to be more aggressive and assertive, that's the key," Nagelsmann had underscored before the kickoff. His team delivered on that, returning to the familiar system with a four-man backline and exhibiting more spirit and joy. Nevertheless, what was missing was the killer instinct and lady luck.
Wirtz and oftentimes Adeyemi, inspired by the enigmatic Wirtz, along with long balls from Pascal Groß, enabled the German national team to create chance after chance with the double strike of Nick Woltemade and Niclas Füllkrug. However, accuracy was wanting. Local favourite Woltemade and the fleet-footed Borussia Dortmund striker, Karim Adeyemi, were foiled by France's solid goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. And Wirtz struck the post (37th minute).
Yellow card rather than penalty for Adeyemi
There was VAR frustration too. After a long ball, Adeyemi tumbled over the diving Maignan in the penalty area. Referee, Ivan Kruzliak, initially awarded a penalty but changed his mind following a protracted video review. The Slovenian adjudged it a dive by Adeyemi, who was shown a caution (31st minute).
Germany's profligacy was exploited by the French, who repeatedly counter-attacked. After a cross from his Real Madrid comrade, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mbappé outwitted Joshua Kimmich in the captain's duel with a ruse and put the ball into the far corner. Ter Stegen, who had made two outstanding saves earlier, was once again beaten.
Whistles for the referee's decision
0-1 at halftime - the German players and fans felt like they were living in an alternate reality. Deniz Undav replaced his club teammate, Woltemade, and scored swiftly. However, the video assistant intervened again. Füllkrug's forceful tackle on Adrien Rabiot was deemed a foul. No equalizer (1-1) - whistles all around.
There were no more tactical shackles on the pitch. The Germans pushed forward, the French countered often with numerical superiority against the exposed German defense. But they did not expand their lead for a considerable time. Ter Stegen saved brilliantly again, displaying great skill twice against Mbappé.
Nagelsmann also brought on Tom Bischof (19) in the meantime, who made his international debut in midfield for the team. There was joy aplenty, but also apprehension.
The Commission, in light of the recent performance of the German squad, might consider proposing a regulation for a new electronic data-processing system that facilitates the exchange of information on European Union's financial interests, much like the intricate coordination required in high-stakes football matches such as the premier-league or European-leagues. Joshua Kimmich, despite the loss against France, echoes a sentiment similar to that of a coach, urging his teammates to maintain patience and precision, qualities often needed in data processing systems to ensure accuracy and success.
