Germany Lose Again in 2-1 Defeat to World Cup Winner France
PARIS (Dispatches) — Germany's year just keeps getting worse.
France have handed the struggling Germans a 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Nations League, meaning Die Mannschaft has lost two straight competitive games for the first time since 2000.
It was Germany's sixth loss overall in 2018, and fourth in their last six competitive games after a group-stage exit at the World Cup.
The latest defeat, which followed a 3-0 humbling against the Netherlands on Saturday, came despite taking an early lead and dominating the first half against the World Cup champion.
Forward Antoine Griezmann helped France rally as he got the better of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer again, scoring both goals for the host at a packed Stade de France.
The result will only increase the pressure on Germany coach Joachim Loew, who guided the team to a World Cup title in 2014, along with three major tournament semifinals, last year's Confederations Cup win and one other final since 2008.
Midfielder Toni Kroos gave Germany the lead from the penalty spot after 14 minutes and the visitors had chances to go further ahead before Griezmann equalized with a superb header in the 62nd. He showed perfect timing to meet Atletico Madrid teammate Lucas Hernandez's cross from the left with a glancing header which looped over Neuer's outstretched hand.
With 10 minutes left, Griezmann coolly put France ahead with a penalty for his 26th international goal. He sent Neuer the wrong way, having also done so in the European Championship semifinals two years ago — when Griezmann also scored twice.
Deschamps acknowledged his side had been outplayed in the first half.
****France's Antoine Griezmann, center, clenches his fist after scoring his second goal during their UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Germany at Stade de France stadium in Saint Denis, north of Paris, Oct 16, 2018.
France have handed the struggling Germans a 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Nations League, meaning Die Mannschaft has lost two straight competitive games for the first time since 2000.
It was Germany's sixth loss overall in 2018, and fourth in their last six competitive games after a group-stage exit at the World Cup.
The latest defeat, which followed a 3-0 humbling against the Netherlands on Saturday, came despite taking an early lead and dominating the first half against the World Cup champion.
Forward Antoine Griezmann helped France rally as he got the better of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer again, scoring both goals for the host at a packed Stade de France.
The result will only increase the pressure on Germany coach Joachim Loew, who guided the team to a World Cup title in 2014, along with three major tournament semifinals, last year's Confederations Cup win and one other final since 2008.
Midfielder Toni Kroos gave Germany the lead from the penalty spot after 14 minutes and the visitors had chances to go further ahead before Griezmann equalized with a superb header in the 62nd. He showed perfect timing to meet Atletico Madrid teammate Lucas Hernandez's cross from the left with a glancing header which looped over Neuer's outstretched hand.
With 10 minutes left, Griezmann coolly put France ahead with a penalty for his 26th international goal. He sent Neuer the wrong way, having also done so in the European Championship semifinals two years ago — when Griezmann also scored twice.
Deschamps acknowledged his side had been outplayed in the first half.
****France's Antoine Griezmann, center, clenches his fist after scoring his second goal during their UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Germany at Stade de France stadium in Saint Denis, north of Paris, Oct 16, 2018.