The much anticipated Group F game between Germany and France in Munich confirmed the World Champions’ firm bid for a continental triumph at Euro 2020.
Germany enjoyed more of the ball (59% vs 41%) and had more attempts (10 to 4), but forced France Keeper Hugo Lloris to just one save. The Germans also ran four kilometers more than their opponents, passing almost twice as much as France did (643 to 367 passes).
Surprisingly given what the stats show, France never allowed the impression that they were in trouble. Germany was toothless and coach Joachim Low needs to solve the problem fast, as the game against Portugal is just four days away. Hungary is also part of the same group.
Key moments defined match
Hummels put the ball into his own net after 20 minutes to give France a one-goal lead at halftime. Les Bleus had two disallowed goals for offside positions in the second half. Both of them came when Germany was pushing hard for an equalizer. France’s counterattacks provided big scares every time they were attempted.
It’s interesting to note that the top five passers in the match were all German. The French team averaged just 35 passes per player, compared to Germany’s 61.
Full stats for #GER 0-1 #FRA. Guess who ran the most?#WeLoveKante #GERFRA #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/znzLZPS74V
— OGCOM (@OGambling) June 15, 2021
Rudiger accused of biting Pogba
Antonio Rudiger and Paul Pogba had a heated confrontation just before halftime. The German defender was caught on camera while trying to bite Pogba in the back. Even though the Frenchman complained to the ref, no disciplinary action was taken, nor did the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) interfere.
Social media reacted quickly and asked for Rudiger to be punished by UEFA based on video evidence. Rudiger is no stranger to controversy. In the Champions League final this season, he bodychecked Kevin De Bruyne, leaving him with a broken nose and fractured eye socket.
Rudiger took to Twitter to apologize after that incident. “I’m really sorry for his injury. Of course, this was not intentional from me – I’ve already been in touch with Kevin personally and I really wish him a speedy recovery & hope we can see him back on the pitch very soon again.”
Fortunately, De Bruyne will be able to play in the tournament for Belgium, despite missing out in the 3-0 victory over Russia on Saturday.
Did Ruddiger bite Pogba here? #FRAGER #FRA #GER #MUFC #ChelseaFC #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/M0mXQ5ajmd
— OGCOM (@OGambling) June 15, 2021
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