France vs Germany: It’s Now or Never for Germany in the UEFA Nations League

France vs Germany: It’s Now or Never for Germany in the UEFA Nations League

France vs Germany

Germany could really use a win right now. After all, another defeat would almost ensure their relegation to the second-tier competition of the UEFA Nations League.

Joachim Low’s men are in disarray, and only victory could ease the increasing pressure on Low and his players who have been largely disappointing all year long—having also missed the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup.

Unfortunately for the once-mighty Germans, their task won’t be easy. France currently lead Group A1 with a draw and a win after two matches, and all odds point to an easy victory for the reigning world champions at Stade de France.

Talking Points

Saying that Germany are in a slump would be an understatement. They are winless in three straight competitive matches, the latest against the Netherlands that saw them concede three goals.

Moreover, including the defeat to the Netherlands, they have lost three and drawn one in their last four away games in all competitions—including friendlies.

Indeed, Germany haven’t been themselves since their group stage loss to South Korea in the World Cup 2018 that effectively denied them a spot in the knockout stages for the first time in 80 years.

They have seemingly lost that cutting edge that allowed them to dominate and dictate the pace of a game at will. They failed to score in their goalless draw with France in the Nations League opener last month, and their offensive woes were even more highlighted in their loss to Ronald Koeman’s Oranje.

Sure enough, Germany had their chances as well, and it could be said that they were just unlucky not to score. However, failing to find the back of the net against a team that has conceded at least one goal in their last four matches speaks volume about Germany’s current situation.

Not to mention that, like in the South Korea match, they collapsed defensively and conceded two late goals against the Netherlands.

Low, who recently set the record for the most matches in charge of Germany, admitted that his team is lacking confidence right now. Nonetheless, they cannot afford to get sucked into the situation and emotion, especially now that they are facing relegation to League B—something unimaginable for the 2014 World Cup winners.

Victory against France will be huge and will turn the tide of battle for Germany. Getting all three points would see them tie the Frenchmen at the top of Group A1 with four points—a position that will allow them to challenge for a Final Four berth.

Nonetheless, doing so is easier said than done. France are the best team in the world for a reason, and they appear unstoppable right now with their 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Also, after sharing the spoils with the Germans in the tournament opener, they beat Netherlands 2-1 to stamp their authority in the group.

Germany will sense some vulnerability in France after their 2-2 friendly draw with Iceland, but they should remember that rising star Kylian Mbappe played as a second-half substitute in that match. Furthermore, the moment that Mbappe entered the game, France changed into a different beast and were able to erase a two-goal Iceland advantage in the last four minutes of play.

The Iceland game showed France would have their defensive lapses from time to time, but it also proved how strong they are when their lineup is complete.

Also, there’s no doubt that Les Bleus aren’t short in confidence. Not after the biggest moment of their lives.

History

As mentioned, the two teams played out a goalless stalemate in the opener—a result that grabbed the UEFA Nations League 2018 news and headlines, with storylines pointing to Germany’s return to relevance.

However, as what we have all learned, that is nothing but a fluke on Germany’s end.

France still hold the advantage in their recent head to heads, winning two of the last five to Germany’s one. Moreover, the last time they met at Stade de France, Les Bleus kept the Germans scoreless as they scored twice behind goals from Olivier Giroud and Andre-Pierre Gignac.

Betting Tip

Correct Score France 3-2 @ 22.00

France, to no one’s surprise, are expected to win. The only question is: by how many?

The UEFA Nations League 2018 odds put France as overwhelming favourites, with SBOBET Asian handicap betting implying that Germany have little to no chance at all.

I do agree with the odds and predict a France domination, though I think Germany can score this time. Surely, they won’t waste 21 shots without scoring this time, right?

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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