The UEFA Nations League kicks off in style with a meeting between Germany and France, two great football nations currently on the opposite ends of the spectrum.
The 2018 World Cup brought joy for one and misery for the other. While Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and the rest of the French squad were lifting the World Cup trophy drained in raindrops and confetti in Moscow, members of the German squad were back home reconciling with the country’s worst World Cup performance since 1938. Exiting a World Cup as defending champions in the group stage is painful for any team, but it is even more agonizing for the most successful national team in history.
Germany vs France Odds
All the problems surrounding the team before the tournament didn’t help, but most of all, Germany’s embarrassing display signaled it was time for Joachim Low to sit down and rethink his entire strategic and managerial approach.
UEFA Nations League offers a chance for redemption
This game against the World Cup winners is a chance for redemption, an opportunity to show everyone Die Mannschaft has not lost its mojo. Bayern players such as Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, and Jerome Boateng, who was heavily scrutinized following their underwhelming WC endeavors, are back in shape and prepared to lead the team again. The matchup takes place in Munich in a week during which ambassador Philipp Lahm is presenting Germany’s candidature for Euro 2024 to the world media.
It adds an extra incentive to an already hyped up encounter. Many have their doubts about how seriously Europe’s finest will take this new competition. It is a question which can be thrown out into the ocean when Germany and France take the Allianz Arena pitch on Thursday at 20:45 CET.
Germany vs France H2H
Germany has not beaten France in their last three meetings, which included a Euro 2016 semi-final 2-0 loss. Their last encounter was a friendly back in 2017. It ended in a 2-2 draw. France leads the all-time series with 6 wins, 2 draws and 4 draws.
Germany vs France Odds (Bet365)
Germany 2.5
Draw 3.3
France 2.8
