Germany, the host nation for the 2024 UEFA European Championship, defeated France 2-1 in an international friendly match on Tuesday, ending a series of three consecutive defeats and regaining some confidence following a poor run and the dismissal of coach Hans Flick last Sunday. Goals from Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané at the start and end of the match provided Germany with their first win in the last six games, concluding a turbulent period for the four-time world champions.
While France, the runners-up of the 2022 World Cup, did not field their strongest lineup with captain and striker Kylian Mbappé on the bench, Germany's overall performance improved significantly compared to their 4-1 home loss to Japan last Saturday, which led to Flick's departure.
Under the leadership of sporting director Rudi Völler, the Germans pressed hard from the start. The team was rewarded when veteran Müller scored from inside the box after a brilliant 13-pass move in the fourth minute. The French gradually found their way into the match and became more dangerous as Randal Kolo Muani and Aurélien Tchouaméni pressured the home defense.
Marc-André ter Stegen saved Tchouaméni's low shot in the 57th minute and also denied Antoine Griezmann's effort, pushing it over the bar in the 82nd minute. Sané capped a quick counter-attack with a goal in the 87th minute before Marcus Thuram was fouled two minutes later, resulting in a penalty that Griezmann converted, reducing the deficit for the visitors.
