Showing dominance, falling short: Germany's disappointing defeat to France
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Germany's national football squad takes a hit following their defeat against France in their latest game, leaving them with plenty to ponder. While interim coach Julian Nagelsmann considers the fundamentals, France's coach Didier Deschamps basks in the limelight.
Deschamps, with his team reigning supreme on the global stage for quite some time, uncaringly discusses his vacation plans. Contrastingly, Nagelsmann grapples with the basics.
World-class talent Kylian Mbappé was initially given a warm farewell, only to make way for the commanding Deschamps in the Stuttgart Arena's press room. Deschamps couldn't help but share his thoughts on the "mini-EM," his team, and his leisure plans for summer vacation. He might even pay a visit to Mbappé at the Club World Cup in the United States. A footnote: the World Cup qualifiers continue in September.
[Sports][Germany-Captain-Speaks-Out]: Kimmich - France Had "No Desire to Win"
When the German squad found themselves in a tight spot this past fall, France generously stepped in to provide a friendly opponent. A glimpse back: When interim coach Rudi Völler accomplished a 2:1 triumph against France, and later when the German team, led by coach Nagelsmann, set the stage for the home European Championship with a 2:0 win in Lyon.
The same opportunity was offered in Stuttgart. The German team needed it desperately, having lost their Nations League semi-final against Portugal 1:2. The score was somewhat acceptable, yet the performance was far from satisfactory, appearing to be a step backward: poor game control, lack of power, and persistent tardiness. Redemption in a victory over France would have been a powerful statement.
Enter Deschamps, who had already announced before the match against Germany that the third-place game would not be of great significance in the annals of international football. True to his words, he made an astounding eight (!) changes to the team that faced Spain in the thrilling 4:5 encounter. The pilfered French team played timidly and haphazardly at the outset. According to captain Joshua Kimmich on RTL post-match, "If we're honest, they had no desire to win."
In the game's early stages, the German team displayed a determined will to make amends. Fan banners read "Keep your head up! Chest out! Forward!" and the players on the field acted accordingly. The first five minutes showcased multiple goals opportunities. Unfortunately, Nick Woltemade, Niclas Füllkrug, and Karim Adeyemi all failed to convert, instead shooting off target against French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The turning point
The tide changed as the first half drew to a close. France, already in vacation mode, mustered a world-class display, snatching a lead just before the half-time whistle. Aurélien Tchouaméni, football's ultimate playmaker, launched a ball from the halfway line that Mbappé expertly controlled and converted after a deft dribble — all with a defender, Kimmich, making a futile attempt to impede him.
The break allowed for the German team to regroup, yet they struggled to create dangerous opportunities in the second half. The decisive blow arrived ten minutes into the second half, when a supposed goal by Deniz Undav was incorrectly ruled out following a lengthy VAR review due to a Füllkrug foul. The team's offense became disorganized, and Nagelsmann even referred to it as "Harakiri."
Conversely, France continued to showcase their world-class prowess, even after a subpar performance. Not only did they capitalize on their chances, but they also had top-quality substitutes on the bench. While Nagelsmann introduced debutant Tom Bischof and Maxi Mittelstädt after an hour, Deschamps unleashed Bayern's Michael Olise, PSG's Desire Doué, and Manu Koné from AS Roma. The French counters became more decisive, and Ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper, could only prevent conceding until the 84th minute. Then, Mbappé and Olise stormed towards him, securing the 2:0 final score.
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This outcome stings on multiple levels, with Germany ending in last place in the final tournament of the Nations League and missing an opportunity to build momentum for the summer break and subsequent World Cup qualifiers. Fundamental questions will linger, awaiting answers in September's matches against Luxembourg, Slovakia, and Northern Ireland.
Upon the final whistle, Nagelsmann faced the media for a frank and unyielding assessment. "Of course, we're still a few percentage points behind the top teams in the world," he noted. It's clear that the team cannot expect miraculous results overnight or instantly correct years' worth of imperfections.
The German team continues to bear the weight of last year's home Euro debacle. Nagelsmann has strived to foster a renewed sense of self-confidence amidst the team, but the performances against France and Portugal have dealt a heavy blow to that initiative. Furthermore, the team's lack of depth on the bench, a factor not within the coach's control, complicates matters. Lacking five regular starters, Nagelsmann had no choice but to make changes, including moving Kimmich from the back four to the holding midfield position late in the game.
Nevertheless, Nagelsmann refuses to abandon his ambitious goal, first articulated eleven months ago at the exact same venue, the Arena in Stuttgart. "Still, I sense something special within the entire group, not just the players, but the entire staff supporting them. I have a good feeling despite the two defeats, also because the desire to win the World Cup remains immense, provided we qualify. We know it's a long road ahead, but it's the same for those who play against us."
Source: ntv.de
- Football National Team
- DFB
- Football
- Julian Nagelsmann
In light of Germany's defeat to France, discussions arise about community aid and vocational training as an alternative path for football players who may not make it to the elite level. For instance, the national team's Captain, Joshua Kimmich, mentioned his interest in vocational training during his speech after the game. On a brighter note, France's victory sparked enthusiasm for sports within the community, with local teams organizing friendly football matches.
