Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele feature in France’s bore draw with Germany
France drew 0-0 with Germany in the first pot A match for the inaugural UEFA Nations League tournament.
The World Champions came away from Munich with a point in a game where they relied on the defensive tactics that won them the tournament in the summer. Germany had more possession in the first half, but struggled to convert that control into opportunities. Mats Hummels had the best chance for Die Mannschaft when he headed over in the box after Antonio Rudiger had initially headed the ball in his direction from a corner.
France had the better opportunities and looked more likely to score in the first half because Olivier Giroud had a header saved by Manuel Neuer as well as flicking a shot wide while Kylian Mbappe had a free kick saved. The 19-year-old was a constant threat and his range of flicks and tricks was on display in this match as he tried to spark France’s creativity in the final third.
Germany came out stronger in the second half and gradually increased the pressure on Les Blues. Marco Reus, Hummels, Thomas Muller and Matthias Ginter all had good chances, but Alphonse Areola was equal to them; Ginter had the pick of the bunch with a header from a corner which Areola did well to push around the post.
Ousmane Dembele only came on as a 66th minute substitute for Giroud, however, the change was noticeable because France had potent counter-attacking ability with him, Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann on the pitch. Germany did well to deal with that as a number of attacks broke down at the final pass. The 21-year-old contrasted with his teammate Mbappe in the sense that he was more efficient with his dribbling and tricks while Mbappe was over-elaborate at times. It could be argued that the influence of playing with Lionel Messi and Neymar can be seen in these two.
Samuel Umtiti had a solid game as him and Raphael Varane showed once again why they are an excellent partnership. Germany often met an uncompromising wall with their attacking play, especially in the first half. Having N’Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi in midfield certainly helps, but the two centre-backs dealt well with a number of dangerous situations, although Areola was tested a few times.
The 24-year-old’s performance is a good sign because he had a few lapses of concentration against Huesca, which is uncharacteristic for him. Barcelona will need him back at his best for the tough games in the league and Champions League. Dembele’s directness and confidence was great to see because he has started the season strongly, and this international break doesn’t appear to have dampened his momentum.
Next. Oriol Busquets starts training with the rest of the team. dark
Marc-Andre ter Stegen could only watch on from the bench as Neuer started ahead of him for this competitive clash. Germany do have a friendly against Peru on the 9th September, so he could get his opportunity to start in that game.