Without defeat since the last World Cup, the France team was surprised by Germany this Tuesday.
The Blues are no longer undefeated in 2023. Didier Deschamps’ team fell on the evening where we perhaps least expected it. Against a Germany in full doubt, she delivered an indigestible performance and she was logically punished for it (1-2). After conceding a goal at the start of the match, the Tricolores, too amorphous, were unable to respond. Except on a penalty at the end of the match when the game was already over.
Unrecognizable Blues
It has been a long time since France has been so moribund. As if the desire was not there, or that there was too much complacency in the face of an opponent considered ill. In Dortmund, the world vice-champions were able to see that even during a match without stakes and against a team short of certainties, there was a minimum of seriousness to be had or risk being punished.
3’29” – France conceded a goal after 3 minutes and 29 seconds, their earliest goal conceded since Robbie Brady’s with the Republic of Ireland in the round of 16 of EURO 2016 (1’58 ”). Oops. #ALLFRA pic.twitter.com/MWsLQ76HJ8
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) September 12, 2023
From the 4e minute of play, the locals took the lead at the mark. Left strangely alone at the penalty spot, Thomas Muller was able to control with his chest a cross from the former Monegasque Henrichs before placing a strong recovery from the left. Mike Maignan could do nothing against this cannonball. It was 1-0 and there was still enough time to bounce back, but at no point did the Blues seem able to shake their hosts of the day.
Without Mbappé, the attack was powerless
The only times the Germans shuddered at the back were on attempts from a midfielder. Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had a taste for goal, tried to equalize twice but each time he found Marc André Ter Stegen in his path. First on a head (38e) then on a shot from outside the area (58e). The Barça goalkeeper also managed to deflect a corner shot from Antoine Griezmann (83e). Apart from these three attempts, there was absolutely nothing to report on the French side.
In the absence of Kylian Mbappé, slightly injured, the attack proved powerless. Holder at the forefront, Randal Kolo Muani hardly put himself forward, except for an incursion into the area during the 1er act which could have resulted in a penalty. As for Kingsley Coman and Ousmane Dembélé, they didn’t contribute much. Their excesses on the wings were too obvious to surprise the Germans.
Germany defended well
Didier Deschamps sought to change the course of events by incorporating several elements after the break. However, this was without result. Although they regained control of the ball, the visitors were not able to destabilize the German block. For once, it was able to prove itself to be solid and waterproof. Rudi Voller, the interim coach, must have appreciated it. His troops gave him a prestigious victory against one of the best selections in the world. A victory that Leroy Sané was responsible for consolidating (88e), before Griezmann reduced the score on a penalty (89e).
