Deprived of the finals after being upgraded by Spain in the semi -finals, the Blues had to show a better face against Germany – eliminated by Portugal – in a small final between losers. And for this match without stake, but with great interest in the future, Didier Deschamps offered a first selection in Badé, associated with L. Hernandez. Cherki was also a holder for the first time, alongside Kolo Muani, Thuram and Mbappé. Also in a 4-2-3-1 opposite, Gross and Goretzka were associated, behind Füllkrug, supported by Wirtz.
The start of the match went in one way and Germany made a strong impression in front of the Stuttgart audience, forcing Maignan to release the big entrance game, in front of Wirtz (2nd). Before worthy, saved the Blues from the head in extremis in front of Adeyemi (5th), before being stopped by Maignan (6th). The Blues had let the storm pass, but were still dominated by a quality mannschaft, which found the post thanks to Wirtz (37th). Only the finish lacked for the men of Nagelsmann.
Germany has dropped
But by dint of missing, Germany was discovered and finally offered possibilities to the Blues. And on the first built action of Tchouameni, Mbappé was found and could wrap to open the scoring (1-0, 45th). Better in the second period with an omnipresent Cherki, the Blues failed to take the break with a duel missed by Mbappé (47th) and a post found by Thuram (59th). More reassuring, the tricolors remained under the threat of equalization and narrowly lacked in offensive choices.
Koné, gifted and Olise's entries have also done good. But it was not until the end of the match to see Germany completely collapse and offer the second goal to the Blues thanks to a big defensive error allowing Mbappé to leave alone in front of the goal and serve olise, for its second goal with France (2-0, 86th). Without shining, the French team therefore won and offers a third anecdotal place in the League of Nations before starting the qualifications for the 2026 World Cup.
