France secured third place within the Nations League with a 2-0 victory over Germany in Stuttgart, because of a first-half strike from Kylian Mbappe and a late aim from Michael Olise.
Regardless of a promising begin from the hosts, France’s high quality in entrance of aim proved to be the distinction between the 2 sides.
The opening levels belonged to Germany, who carved out a golden alternative simply two minutes in. Niclas Fullkrug acquired maintain of the ball to play in Nick Woltemade, however his low effort was saved properly by Mike Maignan.
It was an early warning for France, and Maignan would quickly be referred to as into motion once more, denying each Karim Adeyemi and Pascal Gros because the hosts dominated early possession.
Controversy struck simply after the half-hour mark when Germany had been initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Adeyemi. Nevertheless, following a prolonged VAR assessment, the choice was overturned and Adeyemi was booked for simulation, a lot to the fury of the house crowd.
That sense of injustice was solely compounded minutes later when Florian Wirtz struck the submit from shut vary.
C’est terminé à Stuttgart 🔚
Nos Bleus s’imposent 2-0 et accrochent la troisième place de Ligue des Nations 🔥🇩🇪0-2🇫🇷 l #ALLFRA l #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/VSbAjBJzuO
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 8, 2025
France, who had provided little in assault for a lot of the half, struck a devastating blow simply earlier than the break. Aurelien Tchouameni floated a pinpoint move excessive for Mbappe, who managed expertly on the left earlier than slicing inside and drilling a shot previous Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The Barcelona goalkeeper acquired a hand to it however couldn’t stop the ball from nestling within the far nook.
Within the second half, Julian Nagelsmann’s facet huffed and puffed however struggled to copy their first-half efficiency.
A second of drama unfolded on 54 minutes when Denis Undav discovered the online after dispossessing Adrien Rabiot, however VAR once more intervened to rule out the equaliser, this time for a foul by Fullkrug within the build-up.
France grew stronger because the match wore on, more and more threatening on the counter. Mbappe remained a continuing menace and got here near doubling his tally with a surprising volley and one other breakaway likelihood, each thwarted by Ter Stegen.
Ultimately, France’s stress instructed. Within the 84th minute, Mbappe as soon as once more raced clear on the counter and this time unselfishly squared for substitute Olise, who tapped residence into an empty web to seal the win.