Hansi Flick-less Germany win first game against France in 9 years
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Leroy Sane scored the winning goal for Germany against France || Image credit: Imago

Hansi Flick-less Germany win first game against France in 9 years

Faruq Ibrahim 22:21 - 12.09.2023

Germany have added some sunshine to their gloomy international break with a well-timed win against France.

Germany have ended their run of five games without a win against the second most difficult opponent possible according to FIFA rankings, France.  

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Die Mannschaft were in a rut, leading to the termination of a coach for the first time in history, Hansi Flick. The former Bayern Boss was sacked nine months into his tenure and two days before the France clash, leading to uncertainties. 

Under the interim leadership of Rudi Volker, however, the four-time World Cup winners rose to the occasion, defeating Les Blues for the first time since the 2014 World Cup. 

How it happened 

Given their poor record against tonight's opposition and the uncertainty in the German Football Federation (DFB), Die Mannschaft were expected to be steamrolled by the 2018 World Cup champions.  

This was far from the eventual outcome, as Germany were victorious. They came out guns blazing like a team on a mission and were rewarded almost instantaneously, with Thomas Muller finding the back of the net as early as the fourth minute of the match. 

Muller celebrates after scoring for Germany || Image credit: Imago
Muller celebrates after scoring for Germany || Image credit: Imago

Voller had to make changes to the 11 he trusted from the start in the 25th minute when Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan picked up an injury. He was replaced by Brighton's Pascal Groß.

France pressed for an equaliser for the remainder of the half, camping Germany in their half, but the hosts remained resilient.  

Leroy Sane scored the winning goal for Germany against France || Image credit: Imago
Leroy Sane scored the winning goal for Germany against France || Image credit: Imago

Both managers shuffled the pack during the course of the second half in an attempt to influence proceedings. German substitute Kai Havertz found Sane in the 87th minute to double Die Mannschaft's lead, and two minutes later, Antoine Griezmann converted a penalty that served as a consolation goal.

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