Mbappe leads France to Nations League bronze as it surpasses Germany

Mbappe created his magic in an overhauled France team. The opening half belonged to Germany as the visitors controlled the game but the break-through came just ahead of half-time courtesy of Mbappe who carved his way through the congested penalty area to notch his 50th in France colours. In the final seconds of the second half, with the hosts scrambling to score the all important goal, Mbappe stole a loose pass in the half way line area and tore away, then teed-up Michael Olise.

The French displayed their great depth, as did Mbappe with his finish and speed again. For the Germans, who lost back-to-back straight matches for the first time in 2023, the question remains as to just how much improved they have been under Julian Nagelsmann.

Ahead of Sunday’s Nations League showdown with long-time rivals Germany, France head coach Didier Deschamps made it clear that the game wasn’t his top priority. “It’s not the most important match for us,” he admitted, with his sights firmly set on next year’s World Cup.

Deschamps rang the changes, rotating eight players from the side that lost to Spain in the semi-finals. Only captain Kylian Mbappé, goalkeeper Mike Maignan, and seasoned midfielder Adrien Rabiot kept their spots in the starting lineup.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann also shuffled his deck, making four changes of his own. One of them was the return of striker Niclas Füllkrug to the starting eleven. The Germans came out firing and created plenty of early chances. Karim Adeyemi appeared to have won a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision for simulation. Soon after, Florian Wirtz rattled the post.

Just before the break, Mbappé broke the deadlock. He latched onto a lofted pass that sailed over the 1.77m-tall Joshua Kimmich, controlled it with a neat touch, and fired a powerful strike past the keeper with his right foot.

At halftime, Nagelsmann brought on Deniz Undav for rookie forward Nick Woltemade, and the switch nearly paid off immediately. Undav found the net, but the goal was ruled out due to a foul by Füllkrug in the buildup.

Germany dominated possession and spent long stretches camped in France’s half, but that left them open to the pace of France’s counter-attacks—particularly through the electric Mbappé.

Marcus Thuram came close to doubling France’s lead on 58 minutes when his effort hit the post. Eventually, the match was sealed by Mbappé and substitute Michael Olise, who plies his trade in Germany with Bayern Munich. Mbappé intercepted a poor clearance from Robin Koch near the halfway line and charged toward goal before unselfishly squaring for Olise, who tapped in France’s second with just six minutes left on the clock.

Later on Sunday, reigning Nations League and European champions Spain will take on Portugal in Munich for this year’s title.