Almost two months after winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia, France’s Didier Deschamps team was back to school this Thursday night against Germany, as part of the League of Nations. The two teams split on a score of zero and blank (0-0), Alphonse Areola having notably shone on the French side.
Back-to-school time. After thrilling the French people by winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with a final victory over Croatia (4-2), Les Bleus made their return this Thursday night on the occasion of the League of Nations with a match against Germany, world champion in 2014. A first big test for the world champions against the Mannschaft, the author of a World Cup that was more than a failure with a elimination in the group stage. For this match at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Joachim Löw relied on a 4-2-3-1 with five professional defenders. Kimmich took his place at the Sentry post next to Kroos. Reus was lined up at the point of attack. On the French side, Didier Deschamps kept his team-type with the only Areola change in the cages following the injuries of Lloris and Mandanda.
In front of the German public, both teams took time to get into the game. A long round of observation began with the Blues ball at the foot and well-rounded Germans, who opted for a fast and long game. Joachim Löw’s players lit the first fuse after about 20 minutes of play. Served on the left side, Werner passed Pavard back in the line and went on with a shot that Areola captured on the ground (18th). It was then necessary to wait for the 35th minute for the second scare but Hummels, forgotten at the second post, was a little too just on a corner. While they had not yet tried their luck, Les Bleus had the biggest opportunity right behind them. On a centre of Kanté, Giroud imposed himself between two opponents but his good head had come out by Neuer on his left (36′). And just before the break, the French striker tried a “Madjer” but was missing (45 ‘ +1).
Areola on a very big night !
In the second period, the world champions pushed quickly to try to unblock the situation, but Griezmann hit Neuer (49′). But the men of Didier Deschamps did not give up and took the upper hand little by little in the game against slightly disorganized Germans. The attacker from the Atlético de Madrid was indeed returning to the charge but Neuer shone again on his distant attempt (64′). The 2014 World champions were busy, but Areola didn’t let anything pass. The doorkeeper of Paris Saint-Germain first appeared in front of Reus, well served by Werner at the entrance to the surface (65′). But the areola show was just beginning.
Author of a new parade on a powerful shot by Hummels (72′), the French international was still working twice just behind. The PSG goalkeeper then took out a nice Tap on a centre-tir de Müller (75′). And on the next corner, the habs netminder realized an incredible parade on a powerful head of Ginter (75′). With his numerous parades, Areola did more than just save the furniture for the France team. Thanks to him, Les Bleus recorded a draw and a blank against Germany (0-0). See you Sunday night at the Stade de France for a match against the Netherlands.