News (engl.)

Germany ended the latest edition of the UEFA Nations League in fourth place. Julian Nagelsmann’s team were beaten 2-0 by France in Stuttgart in Sunday’s third place play-off. Kylian Mbappé put France ahead on the stroke of half time (45’+1) and then set up Michael Olise at the death to seal the win (84’).

Nagelsmann went with a back-four in front of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Jonathan Tah partnered Robin Koch in the centre of the defence, with captain Joshua Kimmich and David Raum either side of them. Pascal Groß and Leon Goretzka began in central midfield behind a front four of Nick Woltemade, Florian Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi and lone striker Niclas Füllkrug.

Lots of Germany chances early on

Germany began extremely brightly, creating their first good chance after just 75 seconds. Nick Woltemade found space in the box but his shot was straight at goalkeeper Mike Maignan. A minute later, Pascal Groß just missed the target (3’) before Niclas Füllkrug then saw his attempt headed away by Lucas Digne. Leon Goretzka’s follow-up shot was also blocked (5’).

France struggled to contain Germany early on as Karim Adeyemi dribbled down the right. His shot in the end was too central and posed no problem for Maignan (6’). Didier Deschamps’ team recorded their first shot in the 21st minute via Rayan Cherki. The resulting corner saw ter Stegen make an excellent save to keep out Loic Badé’s header (22’).

After Adeyemi’s deflected shot from the edge failed to get the better of Maignan (24’), Florian Wirtz was unlucky to hit the post after a fine bit of interplay (37’).

Mbappé opens the scoring

Germany’s attacks continued to be promising but often lacked a good final pass. Woltemade tested out Maignan once again before the break from close range (44’), however France then went up the other end and broke the deadlock. Kylian Mbappé chested down a cross and then curled the ball into the far corner to give his nation the lead.

Nagelsmann brought Deniz Undav on for Woltemade for the second half, though France started the better of the two teams: Mbappé hit the side-netting on the break (47’). France remained dangerous throughout from counter-attacks, with another one resulting in Marcus Thuram hiting the post (59’).

Germany’s next opportunity was from a corner, though Füllkrug couldn’t keep his header down (64’). Straight after that, Maximilian Mittelstädt came on for Raum and Tom Bischof replaced Goretzka to make his senior debut in international football (65’).

Olise seals the win

Germany continued to press forward in search of an equaliser and that meant there was plenty of space for France to counter. Ter Stegen made a superb save to push Thuram’s low drive clear (70’) and then Nagelsmann’s fourth change saw him bring Thilo Kehrer on for Groß (73’).

As the German legs tired as the game went on, France were able to keep hold of the ball more. The hard-working Adeyemi was replaced by Serge Gnabry (79’), right before another world-class ter Stegen save to deny a volley from Mbappé (80’).

Germany’s keeper was left with no chance five minutes later when Mbappé raced in behind and squared it for substitute Michael Olise, who had a simple finish into an empty net (84’).