Foot: Germany outclasses France, free warning before the Euro

Surprised by a goal conceded After only 8 seconds and overwhelmed in defense, the France team suffered on Saturday   Lyon a defeat in the form of a warning against Germany in a friendly (2-0), & less than three months before the start of Euro-2024.

The Mannschaft has definitely become the bane of the Blues again. Already victorious last September in Dortmund (2-1) for what was the only setback for Didier Deschamps' troops in 2023, the future host country of the European Championship (June 14 – July 14) did it again by taking advantage of the general apathy of his opponent and leaves his trip refreshed after three unsuccessful matches.

A good reminder for the Tricolores and their coach, who will have some big adjustments to make to get his men back on the right path and live up to the challenge. event during the next final phase.

Germany striker Kai Havertz celebrates his goal during Germany's victory against France at Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, March 23, 2024 © AFP – Olivier CHASSIGNOLE

The supersonic goal scored by Florian Wirtz, one of the fastest in history in an international match, illustrated to the point of caricature the deficiencies of France against its old rival, yet in full sporting slump before this duel.

On the commitment made by Toni Kroos, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder had plenty of time to turn around and advance into a deserted midfield before unleashing a sudden strike which left Brice Samba without reaction, preferred to Mike Maignan in the goals due to a physical problem.

The Lensois goalkeeper was just as lost in the action of the second German goal, being erased with disconcerting ease by Jamal Musiala , who was then able to calmly serve Kai Havertz (49th).

Without Antoine Griezmann, a first since June 2017, France seemed to have lost all its bearings and its compass, with the midfielder appearing at times totally out of touch and incapable of display the aggression necessary to counter an opponent of the caliber of the quadruple world champions.

– An outdated defense and a work in progress –

France striker Kylian Mbappé disappointed after Germany's victory against France at Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, March 23, 2024 © AFP – FRANCK FIFE

But Deschamps will especially have to focus on the defense project. The Pavard-Upamecano association in the center was not at all fruitful while Samba is now down to four goals conceded in two games. Fortunately, his firm hand repelled a cross shot from Maximilian Mittelstädt in the second half (79th) to prevent his teammates from suffering real humiliation at home.

The statistic is enough to enrage Deschamps but it is revealing: in its last six outings, France has only managed to keep a clean sheet against the modest team of Gibraltar during the record victory obtained in November in Nice (14-0).

Until then the shortcomings in defense were masked by the exploits of the offensive squad bruises. But the Germans did not fall into the trap. Kylian Mbappé was certainly active on his left side but his contribution was largely insufficient, his two most serious attempts being sterile (22nd, 24th).

In the axis , Marcus Thuram, who had the opportunity to score points at the N.9 position, was transparent and did not succeed in breaking the three-way match between him and Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani.

It was above all Ousmane Dembélé who was the most dangerous on the French side with his tumbles, crosses or long-range attempts (55th). But Julian Nagelsmann's Germany was generally able to read the Parisian's game well to achieve a prestigious success which will boost its morale with a view to the Euro.

The French world vice-champions will have to quickly find solutions to their current problems and Deschamps is hoping for a reaction on Tuesday in Marseille against Chile in a friendly. So as not to sink into gloom just before the continental tournament.

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