France 1-0 Germany: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Germany didn’t deserve to lose. They played well, especially in the second half. Germany had a couple of good chances but failed to capitalize.
• Even though Mats Hummels scored an own goal, he played a great match. He made a crucial tackle on Mbappe in the last quarter of the match.
• France played strategically very well. Their defense was well organized and denied Germany’s attempts.
• Joachim Low has to change the formation, the midfield was too thin tonight and they couldn’t control the match effectively.

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Full time — France 1:0 Germany

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88’ — Kevin Volland comes in for Gosens

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86’ — VAR steps in, Benzema’s goal is ruled out

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85’ — Karim Benzema scores and makes it 2:0

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73’ — Double substitution for Germany — Timo Werner and Leroy Sane come in for Serge Gnabry and Kai Havertz

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66’ — Mbappe scores, but the goal was ruled offside

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54’ — The best chance for Germany so far, but Gnabry’s shot went over the bar.

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52’ — Adrien Rabiot hits the post!

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• France was more dangerous and had better chances, but all in all, didn’t deserve the lead. Germany was very organized in the defense and was unlucky that Hummels scored an own goal.
• Germany’s midfield is nonexistent. France controlled the midfield, as Toni Kross and Ilkay Gundogan find little space to provide the necessary passes to their teammates.
• Probably a player like Leon Goretzka would be a better suit in this match, but unfortunately, he’s injured.
• Germany would benefit if it had a three-player midfield.

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Halftime!

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20’ — Goal for France! Own goal from Mats Hummels

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17’ — France had a couple of good chances and are looking more dangerous than Germany

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Kickoff! We’re underway in Munich

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One hour until kickoff: Lineups are out!

Meanwhile France have chosen not to start Tolisso. It’s their loss (it isn’t).

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It’s time for the game that every Bayern Munich fan has been looking forward to! Or dreading, if your allegiances lie with Germany. While France are coming into the tournament with reports of dressing room tensions between Mbappe and Giroud, the Germans have so many problems it’s actually hard to list them all in a succinct manner.

Who will win the game? Who can say? The return of Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels gives Germany a decent shot at getting something out of the game. However, France have so much raw talent that it’s hard to overlook. All we know is that this is one of the biggest games of the group stage, and the one who wins could well become the champion at the end of this tournament.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 21:00 CEST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, FuboTV, Find Your Country

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