Germany’s first game in the Euros ultimately ended in defeat at the hands of a tough French side, featuring Mbappé, Benzema and Griezmann.
Die Mannschaft played their first game of the Euro 2020 championships last night, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, which unfortunately ended in a 1 – 0 win for the current World Cup champions: France. Both teams showed their quality in a game of fine margins, with both sides coming close to scoring several times throughout the match.
Les Bleus went ahead after Pogba picked out Lucas Hernandez on the left-hand side, who flashed in a cross, which was subsequently drilled past Manuel Neuer by the unfortunate Matts Hummels, who had just been recalled by outgoing boss Joachim Löw after a two-year absence from the national team.
France had the ball in the back of the net twice again after the first goal, only for them to be ruled offside. France stayed on top throughout the game, despite spells of German domination, utilising their pace in attack and playing on the counter. The game was not without controversy either, as it appeared Antonio Rudiger bit Paul Pogba in the first half.
Germany has two important games ahead of them, against Portugal and Hungary. The onus is on the team to win these two games, should they want to advance to the latter stages of the tournament. Both teams were accused of some sloppy play during the game, but Germany did not fail to create chances and their performance inspired some hope in fans for the rest of the tournament.
Germany’s head coach, Joachim Löw, rued his team's missed opportunities but remained optimistic after a decent performance against the current World Champions and favourites for the tournament. “We tried to play on the outside. We knew that they were closely spaced in the middle and strong in tackles. We had to operate with flanks, Gosens and Kimmich did an incredible amount on the offensive. And yes, Serge Gnabry’s chance too,” he said after the game. “Tomorrow we have to work on a few things. Then we look ahead. Now we’ve lost, but anything is still possible, we still have two games and we can straighten everything out.”
Despite the loss, many fans reacted encouragingly to the result. "I was worried at the start of the tournament, but after that game, I am really positive," one fan said. "It wasn't as bad as I thought. It gives me hope for the games against Portugal and Hungary," said another.
For many people though, the game was a breath of fresh air for a country that has spent the last few months under stringent restrictions, aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus in Germany. In “fan parks” across the country, the people of Germany gathered to watch the game and cheer on their national team.
"In Germany, there's not quite a Euro feeling yet," said one fan. "But sitting here, the desire to watch Germany games returns." Another reflected on being able to watch the football outside, with friends. “After all we've been through to be together and have a beer is a dream."