An excellent start to the group stage of the European Championship for France, which was too strong for Germany (1-0) in a fascinating football fight on Tuesday evening. The way to the eighth finals is already open, so judges L’Equipe the day after the meeting in Munich. In addition, the team of national coach Didier Deschamps has proven that the 2018 world champion was no coincidence, according to the verdict.
“In the first half, France reminded seven million television viewers that the 2018 world title is not a misunderstanding,” the French newspaper writes in an analysis of the group F squatter. “It was clinical, balanced and sometimes unpredictable, depending on of the individual class of some players. In this way, France managed to trump the Germans, proving that expectations are certainly not overstretched.” Le Parisien knows that France has gold in their hands with Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema, but according to the newspaper, the trio could function even better than in the duel in Germany.
according to Le Figaro France delivered a ‘superb performance’ against Germany, which had no answer to the reigning world champion’s style of play. The performance of Paul Pogba in particular made a big impression. “He was impressive, majestic and approached perfection with his playing.” Disappointment prevails in the German media about the fact that the solid wall of France could not be broken, despite the many possession of the ball. “After the 1-0, Germany was supreme compared to the waiting French. But unfortunately there were few opportunities for the equalizer. There was certainly no lack of commitment and willpower. Germany could discuss more shots, ball possession and passes, but it finally delivered nothing to do. Only in the strong phase after the break did France falter a bit,” said the judge Sports1.
BILD is jealous of the effective way of playing France, something that according to the tabloid newspaper is lacking the Mannschaft. “The defensive block with N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Raphaël Varane and Presnel Kimpembe barely managed to get into serious trouble. Another problem: Joachim Löw’s tactics with a three-man defense indicate fear. Thomas Múller, who operates on the wing should actually play as a liaison player in the center. Did the national coach want to make a point with this way of playing?” Die Zeit also saw a clear difference between the two countries. “A draw was actually not that close. Germany clearly lost out on the perfectly organized French team.”
Shortly after the defeat at home, Löw judged that the Germans had no luck on their side against Les Bleus. “We gave everything and really gave everything for ninety minutes. We just didn’t score and were unable to prevent the French goal,” he referred to Mats Hummels’ own goal in the first half. “But otherwise I have no criticism of my players. We have lost, but now we have to move on. We already knew in advance that France is very strong and simply cannot stop everything,” said the realistic Low. His colleague Didier Deschamps was very happy with the unity that his team showed in the Allianz Arena.
“Technically there is room for improvement, but in terms of commitment the players have met my expectations,” the winning coach told the French press. “We have waited a year and a half for this”, Deschamps referred to the fact that France already qualified for the European Championship at the end of 2019, which was postponed for a year due to the corona crisis. “It’s only one game, but a very important one. We were very efficient tonight, both defensively and offensively. We gave almost nothing away. The players were clearly ready and as a collective we have to continue in this way.”
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