The Nations League fixtures returned, running alongside a host of friendlies, bringing fans some of the world’s biggest teams. Germany lost to France giving way to an embarrassing record. Elsewhere, the South American derby, provided less excitement than was expected as Brazil beat Argentina 1-0.
Germany’s woes showed no way of slowing down as France secured a 2-1 victory over the fourth time world champions. Toni Kroos first put die Mannschaft on the scoresheet in the 14th minute, through a penalty. And while it was an even affair throughout, France had the last say. Antoine Griezmann provided a brace, leaving les Bleues top of Group 1, League A.
It’s been a terrible year for the usually consistent German side. This is in fact the only time the team has lost six times in one year. And things could still get worse with fixtures against the Netherlands and Russia and the overall low morale of the team.
Une victoire d’équipe ce soir ! 🇫🇷#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/aL0mAeJ0fX
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) October 16, 2018
Germany’s 180 turn isn’t exactly something new as far high ranking national teams go. Others have struggled in similar ways at the moment that their best players finally entered into a period where they were no longer hitting their peak. A generation of talented German players is rising up the ranks. While the progress is slow, it’s likely Germany will once again be a dominating European power in little time.
It was billed as football’s biggest grudge match and fans were in for a shock. The South American derby between the continents’ most successful sides, Brazil and Argentina, turned out to be, by and large, a boring affair.
Both managers used this opportunity to further introduce players that had not been part of the World Cup sides. Richarlison, Icardi or Arthur are finally part of their nations’ squads. But this also meant that without much cohesion, there were few shots on goal for either side.
In the end it was a defender settling things. Brazil’s Miranda headed the ball into the Argentine net, in the 93rd minute, to land Tite’s side the victory. And while the two teams both look like an assembly of some of the world’s biggest football stars, there are still numerous questions about their ability to win trophies.
Eduard Bănulescu
