Last night, Hummels sliced Lucas Hernandez’s cross into his net. Hummels, who was playing for Germany at the time, gave the reigning World Cup champions France a victorious debut in Group F after being sidelined for two years.
Though perhaps more cautious than many expected, the most anticipated opening match was excruciating to watch. With the opening own-goal, the game seemed more stable and open to opportunities.
France had two goals ruled offside in the second half after a curling shot by Kylian Mbappe and Benzema’s close-range finish.
Serge Gnabry came the closest to providing a ball inside the French penalty box with an overhead flick, but Ilkay Gundogan could not finish the half volley and shot it way off the target.
France’s midfield trio was one of the finest in the whole 90 minutes of the match, with Ngolo Kante sweeping the ball right from under the noses of everyone. Pogba’s ability to supply superb long balls and Adrian Rabiot took the ball forward in his signature style. Although Germany had more ball possession, France was more threatening with the ball, making forward runs and sublime one-touch passing.
Germany to play in its remaining matches to earn a spot in the knockout rounds. This win over Germany sets France on a par with Portugal in Group F.
Player ratings
France: Lloris (7), Pavard (7), Kimpembe (7), Varane (8), Hernandez (7), Pogba (8), Griezmann (7), Kante (8), Rabiot (7), Mbappe (8), Benzema (7).
Subs: Tolisso (n/a), Dembele (n/a).
Germany: Neuer (6), Rudiger (6), Ginter (6), Hummels (5), Kimmich (5), Kroos (7), Gosens (7), Gundogan (6), Havertz (6), Gnabry (6), Muller (6).
Subs: Werner (6), Sane (6), Can (n/a), Volland (n/a).
Man of the Match: Paul Pogba
Protestor Flew Over the Stadium:
After parachuting into the Allianz Arena, a Greenpeace protestor almost clashed with fans in the stands minutes before the Euro 2020 match between France and Germany began.
His Parachute had the words “Kick out oil” Greenpeace written on it. UEFA states that ‘legal bodies shall take immediate steps they need’ for what it has deemed an exercise of “Recklessness.”
References:
Communications, Red Bulls. “USL ECup Preview: NYRB II Battle North Texas SC in Second Group Stage Match.” Nysoccer, 6 Apr. 2020, www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/usl-ecup-preview-nyrb-ii-battle-north-texas-sc-second-group-stage-match.
“Greenpeace Protestor Parachutes into Stadium at Euro 2020.” Las Vegas Sun, 15 June 2021, lasvegassun.com/news/2021/jun/15/greenpeace-protestor-parachutes-into-stadium-at-eu.
