Germany have faced France in the first match of Group A in UEFA Nation’s League on Thursday. The match has ended with a 0-0 scoreline as both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the match. Both the sides will have to play against the Dutch side in the other Group Stage match in this competition.
In the first half, it was almost an even contest as both the managers tried a safety first tactics in the opening minutes of the match. German coach Joachim Low has decided to play with
four centre backs in this match. Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Antonio Rudiger and Matthias Ginter all started in this match against France. Joshua Kimmich and Toni Kroos were in defensive midfield position while Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller and Timo Werner were in the attacking midfield of the German National side. Marco Reus was playing as a false nine in this match for Germany.
On the other hand, the French National side’s head coach Didier Deschamps decided to field the same starting lineup of the World Cup Final match. Only Hugo Lloris missed the match with an injury in the thigh. Areola started as the Goalkeeper of France against Germany in this match. The back four of Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane and Benjamin Pavard were there in the defensive unit of France. The midfield of the French National side were comprised of N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi while Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud were leading the line for France.
In the first half of the match, Germany had the most of the possession, while France were the better side in the last 10 minutes of the match. Kylian Mbappe has shown his skills to break the German defense; but he was not able to do so as the German midfielders were getting more in number in the time of French attacks. Olivier Giroud tried twice to break the deadlock for the French National side, but failed to do so. So, the first half has ended with a 0-0 scoreline at Allianz Arena.
In the second half, both the teams were desperate to take the lead in the match. Antoine Griezmann has tested Manuel Neuer once at the 62nd minute of the match. In the counter attack, Marco Reus’ curler was brilliantly saved by Areola. Both the managers decided to make a substitute. Gundogan came in place of Goretzka for Germany; while Dembele came in for Olivier Giroud for France. Germany kept on putting pressure on France; while the French players relied on counter attacks. Mats Hummels has gone upfront of the field to help the team in attack. His shot was saved brilliantly by Areola at the 72nd minute of the match. Thomas Muller’s curler from long range, Matthias Ginter’s header from close range were also saved by the French Goalkeeper. Germany have tried really hard to get the first Goal in the match; but they were not able to do so because of the presence of Areola in the French Goal.
