France Secures Third Place in UEFA Nations League with Victory Over Germany
France defeated Germany 2-0 to claim third place in the UEFA Nations League.
Key Points
- • Kylian Mbappé scored his 50th goal and assisted the second goal.
- • Mike Maignan's crucial saves helped secure the victory.
- • France's performance was criticized for being poor, especially in the first half.
- • The match is a morale boost ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
The French national football team achieved a 2-0 victory over Germany in the third-place match of the UEFA Nations League held on June 8, 2025, in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappé played a crucial role in the win, scoring the opening goal just before halftime, which marked his 50th international goal in 90 appearances. His performance also included an assist to Michael Olise, who sealed the victory with a second goal in the 84th minute.
Despite the final score, the French team faced criticism for a lackluster performance, especially in the first half where they struggled defensively, facing ten shots from Germany while only managing two of their own. France's goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, proved vital to their success by making a series of critical saves that maintained the team's lead and preserved a clean sheet. Notably, he saved a penalty appeal from Germany, which was overturned after a VAR check revealed Karim Adeyemi's simulation.
Coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the mixed quality of play, stating, “There were few lessons to be learned from this match,” given the context of a long season and multiple player absences. Nevertheless, the victory served as a morale boost following a disappointing 5-4 loss to Spain in the semi-finals. The match concluded with France claiming third place in the tournament, while the final match will see Spain face Portugal.
With this win, France is now turning its attention to the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers, which are set to begin in September against teams including Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan. The match also featured notable performances from debutant Loïc Badé and other players including Malo Gusto, who received praise for their contributions on the field.