Germany gambles away leadership against France – relegation threatens
The performance is encouraging, the result not: Germany has lost against the world champion. Now the DFB selection no longer has the league’s future in their own hands.
The debacle against the Netherlands was followed by an unfortunate defeat at the World Cup: Germany lost 1:2 (1:0) to France in the Nations League. Toni Kroos brought the improved DFB team into the lead (14th minute), Antoine Griezmann returned with a double strike in the second half (62./80.). Germany is still waiting for the first compulsory game victory since the desolate World Cup. There is a threat of relegation in the Nations League.
Even though the performance in Paris was good, Joachim Löw will continue to be the focus in the coming months. After the 3-0 bankruptcy in Amsterdam, the national coach was severely criticised for his personnel policy. Löw responded against France with five changes, relied on a compact defensive and let Leroy Sané begin.
This nomination was to pay off quickly: Sané initiated some dangerous scenes in the DFB offensive, which was so weak recently. The professional Manchester City player made his first big appearance in the 13th minute when he took a penalty kick from a counterattack. Kroos happily turned the penalty into the right corner.
On the defensive, the DFB eleven with defenders Thilo Kehrer, Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels showed themselves to be safer than before. In the attack she got more space than expected, as in the 19th minute: Sané ran freely towards the goal, but instead of a direct finish decided for a too steep pass in the direction of Timo Werner.
Niklas Süle Honours
Club
Bayern Munich
- DFL-Supercup: 2017, 2018
- Bundesliga: 2017–18
International
Germany
- Summer Olympic Games: Silver Medal, 2016
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2017
Individual
- Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2016–17
Germany missed the 2-0 several times, the world champion took advantage of it in the second half. France had their first big chance with Kylian Mbappé (52.). Manuel Neuer reacted brilliantly in this one-on-one scene, just ten minutes later the goalkeeper had no chance with a fantastic header from Griezmann. Griezmann scored again in the 80th minute, this time with a penalty kick from Hummels. Check out Castle Jackpot here for more details!
The last group game in the Nations League will take place for the DFB selection on 19 November, then the team will face the Netherlands and hopes to remain in the A-League. Germany is currently last in the group (one point). The Dutch have three points with one game less, France has seven points. Should Oranje win against France on 16 November, the relegation of the DFB eleven will be premature.