France defeated Germany 2-0 on Sunday morning, June 8, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart, in the third-place match of the 2024/25 Nations League. With goals from Kylian Mbappé at the 44th minute of the first half and Michael Olise at the 38th minute of the second half, the French team overcame the hosts in a match marked by intensity and missed opportunities. The game, which started at 10 a.m. (Brasília time), was the first time the two teams faced off in a third-place playoff in the competition’s history. After dramatic semifinal eliminations against Spain and Portugal, respectively, France secured a podium finish with a solid performance, while Germany rued their lack of precision in front of goal.
Despite a 5-4 loss to Spain in the semifinal, the French team arrived at the match with high spirits, even without the injured Ousmane Dembélé. The starting lineup featured players like Mbappé, Thuram, and Cherki, who pressured the German defense from the outset. Germany, defeated 2-1 by Portugal, relied on players like Füllkrug and Wirtz but struggled against France’s tight marking. The game was evenly matched, with tense moments, such as a German goal disallowed after a VAR review.
- Key moments of the match:
- Mbappé’s goal at the 44th minute of the first half with a cross-shot.
- Olise’s goal at the 38th minute of the second half, sealing the victory.
- VAR review that disallowed a German goal due to a foul at the start of the play.
The match showcased France’s efficiency in finishing and Germany’s struggle to convert chances, even at home. The crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Arena witnessed a high-level spectacle, with strategic substitutions and yellow cards reflecting the competitiveness of the duel.
French attack stands out
France displayed offensive dominance from the opening minutes. Kylian Mbappé, the team’s star, was pivotal in opening the scoring with a stunning goal. Receiving the ball on the left, the forward cut inside and fired a cross-shot past goalkeeper Ter Stegen. The move highlighted the speed and precision that defined his performance throughout the tournament. Alongside Mbappé, Michael Olise, who came off the bench in the second half, also made his mark by exploiting a gap in the German defense and finishing with class.
Other players, such as Marcus Thuram and Désiré Doué, created significant chances. Thuram, for instance, hit the post at the 13th minute of the second half, while Doué had a long-range shot saved by the German goalkeeper. France recorded 12 shots on goal, with five on target, demonstrating efficiency in decisive moments. The absence of Dembélé, sidelined with a left thigh injury from the semifinal, did not hinder the attack, which capitalized on the opponent’s defensive lapses.
German pressure without reward
Germany, in contrast, struggled to convert their chances into goals. Players like Deniz Undav, Niclas Füllkrug, and Karim Adeyemi created dangerous moves but were thwarted by the French defense and their own lack of accuracy. The team recorded 15 shots, with only four on target, highlighting their attacking inefficiency. A critical moment came at the 10th minute of the second half when Undav scored a goal that was disallowed by VAR due to a foul by Füllkrug earlier in the play.
The German side also faced issues with offsides, with Adeyemi and Undav caught out of position at key moments. Substitutions like Gnabry and Kehrer aimed to shift the momentum, but they had little impact. The home crowd, filling the Mercedes-Benz Arena, supported the team until the end but saw their side leave the pitch without the consolation prize.
- Standout German players:
- Joshua Kimmich, with two shots saved.
- Florian Wirtz, who attempted to create plays in midfield.
- Deniz Undav, with three shots but none on target.
Strategic use of VAR
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a decisive role in the match. In addition to the disallowed German goal at the 10th minute of the second half, another key moment occurred in the first half at the 34th minute when Adeyemi requested a penalty after a challenge in the box. After over three minutes of review, VAR upheld the on-field decision, denying the penalty. These moments created tension among players and fans but underscored the accuracy of the refereeing decisions.
VAR’s influence in the Nations League has been consistent, particularly in knockout matches. In the semifinal against Spain, France also had plays reviewed, highlighting the technology’s importance in high-stakes competitions. In Sunday’s match, the decisions were well-received by the coaches, who praised the impartiality of the officiating.
Substitutions that shaped the game
The substitutions made by the coaches were crucial to the match’s outcome. For France, the introduction of Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Manu Koné in the second half brought fresh energy to the team. Olise, in particular, was decisive with the second goal, while Doué created chances down the left flank. These changes allowed France to maintain pressure even after taking the lead.
Germany attempted to respond with substitutions like Gnabry, Kehrer, and Bischof, but they failed to turn the tide. The replacement of Woltemade, who had a quiet game, with Undav early in the second half aimed to boost the attack, but the French defense remained resolute. The German coach also made tactical changes, such as swapping full-backs with Mittelstädt replacing Raum, but the team could not find the net.
Historic clash in the competition
The third-place playoff between Germany and France marked a historic moment in the Nations League. It was the first time these two European powerhouses faced off in this stage of the competition, adding extra weight to the encounter. Both teams came into the match after frustrating semifinal exits, making the game a chance for redemption.
France, which fell 5-4 to Spain in a nine-goal thriller, showed resilience in regrouping for the matchup. Germany, defeated 2-1 by Portugal at home, sought the home crowd’s support to end the tournament on a high note. The recent history of balanced encounters between the two teams in friendlies and tournaments heightened anticipation for the clash.
Numbers that defined the match
The match statistics reflect the tactical balance but also France’s efficiency. France held 48% possession compared to Germany’s 52% but was more clinical in their shots. The French team committed 10 fouls, while Germany made 12, resulting in five yellow cards overall (three for France, two for Germany).
- Key statistics:
- Shots: France 12, Germany 15.
- Possession: France 48%, Germany 52%.
- Accurate passes: France 420, Germany 465.
- Yellow cards: Digne, Lucas Hernández, Adeyemi, Raum, Tah.
Goalkeepers’ performances
Goalkeepers Mike Maignan of France and Marc-André Ter Stegen of Germany delivered standout performances. Maignan made four crucial saves, including shots from Adeyemi and Wirtz, ensuring France’s clean sheet. Ter Stegen prevented a larger scoreline by saving shots from Mbappé, Thuram, and Doué but could not stop the goals from Mbappé and Olise.
Maignan’s solidity was a key factor in keeping France ahead, especially in the second half when Germany pressed. The goalkeepers’ performances underscored the technical quality of both teams, who relied on experienced players in goal.
Significance of third place
Securing third place in the Nations League, while not the main title, holds importance for UEFA rankings and preparation for future competitions, such as the World Cup. For France, the victory provides momentum after their semifinal loss, while Germany looks to address shortcomings for upcoming challenges. The match also offered young players like Olise and Doué valuable experience on the international stage.
The French fans in Stuttgart celebrated the win with enthusiasm, while the German supporters acknowledged their team’s effort despite the defeat. The game concluded both teams’ participation in the 2024/25 Nations League, with France coming out on top in a clash of giants.
