UEFA Nations League: 3 reasons why France beat Germany

Griezmann celebrates his penalty finish with teammates Giroud and Matuidi
Griezmann celebrates his penalty finish with teammates Giroud and Matuidi

#1 Contentious decisions and Griezmann's timely goal

Antoine's well-executed header came at the perfect time for France's comeback
Antoine's well-executed header came at the perfect time for France's comeback

France ran out 2-1 winners here, but the game was changed by two crucial contentious decisions.

Germany's spot-kick in the first-half was very harsh on Presnel Kimpembe, who was adjudged to have handled a cross fizzed into the box. Then Matuidi was fouled by Hummels, who didn't win the ball but was equally unfortunate in being penalised - as the 31-year-old actually trod on his sliding foot, thus initiating the contact which saw him go down.

Kroos and later Griezmann both still had to finish their penalty attempts. Hugo Lloris got fingertips to the Real Madrid midfielder's strike, but Antoine sent Neuer the wrong way to devastating effect with ten minutes to play.

It was another timely strike from a player with world-class pedigree, after his well-executed headed finish - as shown as in the picture above. France needed it too, as anything but a goal would have spurred Germany on to scored again up the other end.


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Edited by Nishant Jayaram
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