France claimed third place in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-0 victory over Germany in Stuttgart on Sunday evening, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise.
Germany, who were hoping to respond positively after their semi-final defeat to Portugal, started brightly in front of their home fans. However, their momentum was checked just before half-time when Mbappe broke the deadlock with a composed finish after controlling the ball expertly in the box.
Early in the second half, the hosts thought they had drawn level through Deniz Undav. The Stuttgart striker, playing at his home ground, finished neatly past the French goalkeeper, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for offside.
From there, France managed the game comfortably and looked the more threatening side throughout the second half. Several chances came and went before Mbappe turned provider in the closing stages, squaring the ball for Olise to tap in and seal the result.
Didier Deschamps’s side will take encouragement from the performance as they leave the tournament with a third-place finish, while Germany are left to reflect on back-to-back defeats ahead of a crucial summer as hosts of Euro 2024.
Portugal and Spain were set to contest the Nations League final later on Sunday.