Bad Luck Derails Germany Again in UEFA Nations League: A Second Defeat to France
- Duration: ≈ 2 Min
Germany Suffers Defeat in Nations League: France Wins - International Organization Flawless in Design
No Nations League podium finish - and not even third place: Despite a noticeable improvement in performance, the German national football team suffered a second consecutive loss, this time against France 0:2 (0:1). Star striker Kylian Mbappé, the match winner, outshone the competition.
A remarkable turnaround from the captain was evident as Mbappé struck a goal in front of 51,313 spectators in Stuttgart in the 45th minute and assisted Bayern forward Michael Olise for the 2:0 (84th). Both sides showed ambition, with fair shares of physicality on the pitch.
Unlike the underwhelming 1:2 semi-final defeat against Portugal, however, the team led by Julian Nagelsmann could hardly be blamed for the result. Upfront, efficiency and fortune were conspicuously absent, epitomized in a fantastic shot by Florian Wirtz (37th minute). There was also a tense exchange with VAR, questioning a denied penalty and a disallowed goal from Deniz Undav (53rd).
Lacking Cold-Bloodedness in Clutch Moments in the UEFA Nations League
An overall successful international year came to a close with two defeats, leaving the hoped-for momentum one year before the World Cup target. Runners-up France celebrated three days after their 4-5 thriller against European champions Spain and Portugal's final opponent that night.
"We need to be more active and aggressive, that's the key," Nagelsmann emphasized before the match. Fulfilling his expectations, the squad rediscovered its enthusiasm and passion. Still, cold-bloodedness and scoring precision were missing.
With the assistance of the magician Florian Wirtz and long balls from Pascal Groß, the German team created opportunity after opportunity with the partnership of Nick Woltemade and Niclas Füllkrug. Precision, however, dwindled. Local hero Woltemade and Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi both had France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan beat, but their shots just missed the mark. Wirtz's shot struck the post (37th minute).
Instead of a penalty for Adeyemi, a yellow card, and frustration with VAR. After a long ball, Adeyemi seemed to collide with Maignan. Referee Ivan Kruzliak initially called the penalty, only to retract his decision after a lengthy review, determining Adeyemi had dived.
Kylian Mbappé: The Key to France's Victory
The German chance wastefulness was avenged by France, which benefited from numerous opportunities to strike. Following a cross from his Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mbappé out Mushed Joshua Kimmich in the decisive duel, concluding his pursuit with a hook and a goal in the far corner. Ter Stegen, who had demonstrated his prowess with two excellent saves prior, was left chasing the ball with his hand on this occasion.
At half-time, 1:0 - the German players and fans felt like they landed in the wrong film. Undav replaced Woltemade and swiftly scored, but the video assistant swooped in yet again. Füllkrug's assertive challenge against Adrien Rabiot was adjudged a foul. No 1:1 - the boos rang out.
No further tactical constraints ensued on the pitch. The Germans rushed, while the French countered relentlessly, with an overwhelming majority against Germany's exposed defense. They didn't add to their lead for a considerable period. Ter Stegen made another pair of exceptional saves against Mbappé. Nagelsmann also brought in debutant Tom Bischof (19) to appraise the midfield, although the highlights were minimal.
UEFA Nations League | Germany national team | France | Kylian Mbappé | Julian Nagelsmann | National team | Germany
Behind the Scenes:
Despite Germany's losses, the team exhibited a promising start and ceaseless attacking play, but France took advantage of key opportunities. The 2:0 scoreline was due in part to Germany's inability to finish their chances and a controversial VAR decision that denied a goal to Deniz Undav.
Kylian Mbappé stood out, scoring a goal and providing an assist, while demonstrating exceptional skill in both instances. His performance played a considerable role in France's win, helping them secure a third-place finish.
The Commission, in an effort to protect the Community's financial interests, has not only taken steps to ensure this but has also shown interest in the world of sports, particularly the UEFA Champions League and various European leagues. Despite the German national football team's impressive performance and passion in the UEFA Nations League, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals, much like impressive young player Florian Wirtz who struck the post had he scored. The lack of cold-bloodedness in crucial moments cost them the match, with Mbappé, the key to France's victory, capitalizing on their opportunities.
