Florian Wirtz netted his first international goal as a clinical Germany side overcame France 2-0 in a confidence-boosting win ahead of hosting EURO 2024.

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France 0-2 Germany
Goals: 0-1 Wirtz 1’ (assist: Kroos), 0-2 Havertz 49’ (assist: Musiala)

Germany enjoyed a dream start as they scored inside the first 10 seconds after catching France napping. Toni Kroos’ long ball forward from kick-off found the unmarked Wirtz 30 yards from goal in a central position. It was an invitation the in-form Bayer Leverkusen attacker was not going to turn down, and he strode forward to the edge of the box before smashing in past France goalkeeper Brice Samba. Julian Nagelsmann’s side remained in control for a while, albeit without seriously testing Samba again, but midway through the half France began to shift through the gears and created chances for Marcus Thuram, Dayot Upamecano, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Jamal Musiala reminded the hosts that they needed to remain on their guard after ghosting behind the defence to receive a Joshua Kimmich pass, but Upamecano scuttled over to block.

Germany struck early in the second half too, with what proved to be the knockout blow. Wirtz picked out another elusive Musiala run, and this time there was no stopping the Bayern playmaker as he dribbled around Samba and pulled the ball back for Kai Havertz to stroke in from close range. Dembélé curled an effort wide as France tried to muster a response, with Aurélien Tchouaméni dragging a shot off target moments later. That was about as good as it got for the 2022 World Cup runners-up, with Germany going closest to adding to the scoreline in the closing stages. Maximilian Mittelstädt saw his goal-bound shot well saved, while substitutes Thomas Müller and Deniz Undav were thwarted by Samba in quick succession, preventing a well-deserved victory by an even higher margin.

Watch: Every Florian Wirtz goal and assist in the Bundesliga

Match stats

• This was Germany’s 12th victory in 34 total encounters with France.
• Kroos, Manuel Neuer and Müller all started Germany’s 1-0 victory over France in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup on the way to winning the tournament – and remain in the current squad.
• Kroos is ninth on Germany’s list of most-capped players (107) but is behind the Bayern pair of Neuer (117) and Müller (124).
• Wirtz's goal was his first at senior international level. 
• Nagelsmann coached French defenders Upamecano and Lucas Hernández at Bayern (in addition to Neuer, Müller, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich).
• Stuttgart trio Undav, Mittelstädt and Waldemar Anton all made their Germany debuts in this game. 

Teams

France: Samba - Koundé (Clauss 60'), Pavard, Upamecano, L. Hernández (T. Hernández 61') - Zaïre-Emery (Camavinga 61'), Tchouaméni (Fofana 74'), Rabiot - Dembélé (Kolo Muani 84'), Thuram (Giroud 61'), Mbappé (c)
Unused subs: Areola, Maignan, Konaté, Saliba, Diaby, Guendouzi
Out: Coman (knee), Nkunku (thigh), Griezmann (ankle)
Coach: Didier Deschamps 

Germany: Ter Stegen - Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt - Kroos (Anton 89'), Andrich - Wirtz (Führich 72'), Gündoğan (c) (Müller 72'), Musiala (Füllkrug 80') - Havertz (Undav 80')
Unused subs: Baumann, Leno, Henrichs, Koch, Raum, Groß, Beier
Out: Beste (groin), Hofmann (hip), Klostermann (thigh), Neuer (groin), Pavlović (tonsilitis), Sané (suspended)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

As it happened!

0 - 2

(0 - 1)

France

FINAL

Germany

Friendly
International International Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon

Win tickets for the upcoming Klassiker!

From 23-31 March 2024, the DFL will be giving away high-quality prizes for Der Klassiker on Matchday 27! On the first two days of the promotion period, you will have the chance to secure two last-minute tickets for the match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund on 30 March 2024. Click here to find out how to enter!

© DFL

Full-time

Full time: France 0-2 Germany

A morale-boosting win for Germany against a strong France side – and own their own turf, no less. Wirtz’s strike in the opening seconds set the tone and although France looked strong at times – particularly in the second half of the first half – they rarely troubled Germany after the break. Kai Havertz’s strike shortly after the interval following a fine assist from Musiala sealed the victory for the EURO 2024 hosts.

© Getty Images

90'

+ 1

Added time

We're into the first of four minutes of stoppage time.

90'

Substitution

Waldemar Anton

Toni Kroos

87'

Rüdiger goal-line clearance!

Mittelstädt gets in a bit of a muddle as he tries to clear Mbappé's cross from the left, forcing the ball past Ter Stegen and almost for an own goal. Rüdiger slides in and hooks it clear - with the aid of his own crossbar!

83'

Substitution

Randal Kolo Muani

Ousmane Dembélé

81'

Samba busy!

The France goalkeeper is forced to make two good saves in quick succession, first to keep out Müller's left-footed effort before denying Undav a goal on his international debut.

80'

Substitution

Niclas Füllkrug

Jamal Musiala

80'

Substitution

Deniz Undav

Kai Havertz

79'

So close from Mittelstädt!

Some neat interplay on the right between Müller and Kimmich ends with the latter playing in Mittelstädt, who is charging into the box on the left. His low drive appears destined for the bottom corner, but Samba gets down well to save.

78'

France pushing

With just over 10 minutes left to play France are beginning to crank up the pressure again as they seek a way back into the game. They haven't seriously troubled Ter Stegen in this half yet though.

75'

Andrich has a pop

Müller lays the ball off for Andrich, arriving on the edge of a crowded penalty area, but his shot is blocked for a corner.

74'

Substitution

Youssouf Fofana

Aurélien Tchouaméni

72'

Substitution

Chris Führich

Florian Wirtz

72'

Substitution

Thomas Müller

Ilkay Gündogan

69'

Off the line!

Kimmich gets into space down the right and dinks a cross to the back post to Havertz. He heads it back across goal, but Upamecano clears off the line.

Breathing space

The moment Havertz put Germany 2-0 up with his 15th international goal.

© Imago Images

65'

Gündogan thwarted

Germany's high press wins the ball back and Havertz's first-time pass releases Gündogan into the box. He looks certain to score, but Upamecano just recovers in time to prevent him getting a proper shot away.

60'

Substitution

Eduardo Camavinga

Warren Zaïre-Emery

60'

Substitution

Olivier Giroud

Marcus Thuram

60'

Substitution

Jonathan Clauss

Joules Koundé

60'

Substitution

Theo Hernández

Lucas Hernández

58'

Wide from Tchouameni

Gündogan gives away possession rather too cheaply, deep inside his own half. Thuram barrels forward and passes to Tchouameni, who drills a low shot wide of the upright.

55'

Dembélé goes close

The former Dortmund winger scampers into space down France's right, cuts inside and curls a shot towards the far post that only narrowly misses the target.

52'

Ruthless efficiency

Germany have been clinical with the few chances they've had in this game, scoring twice from three shots on target.

50'

Germany double their lead!

Another fine goal from Julian Nagelsmann's side. Wirtz picks out Musiala as he makes a diagonal run behind the defence. The Bayern dribbler takes it around Samba and pulls the ball back for Havertz, who strokes it into the empty net!

49'

Kai Havertz

GOAL!

0:2

47'

Wide from Havertz

Wirtz slides a ball inside from the left to Havertz, who takes a touch to steady himself before getting a shot away. He strikes it well enough but it rolls wide of the far post.

46'

Peeeep!

The ball is rolling once again in Lyon.

Kick-off!

Half-time: France 0-1 Germany

Wirtz's wondergoal after around just seven seconds is the difference between the teams so far. There are plenty of positives for Germany, who have looked comfortable in possession and menacing in attack, particularly when they get forward quickly. The pace of Mbappé and Dembélé down each flank has caused the visitors major problems though and France have created some good chances.

© Imago Images

Half-time

42'

Even stevens

Germany had the better start, then France had a decent spell of pressure, but now it's more balanced with most of the action concentrated in the middle third of the pitch.

Battle of wills

Mbappé versus Kimmich is one of the most intriguing duels on the pitch - pace and power versus sheer willpower.

© Imago Images

37'

Tah stops Thuram

Mbappé shows his pace down the left in taking on Kimmich and Rüdiger before crossing low to the front post. Thuram gets there first but he can only put the ball out of play for a goal kick under pressure from Tah.

35'

Ter Stegen to the rescue

Dembélé seems to have got the measure of Mittelstädt for now and jinks past him once again, setting himself up for a powerful right-footed shot from an angle. Ter Stegen makes a strong save, with Rabiot putting the rebound over.

31'

Next opening for Germany

Kimmich threads a lovely ball between two defenders after spying Musiala's run. The Bayern attacker gets a shot away from an angle on the right, but clubmate Upamecano scuttles across to block it - before turning and berating his fellow defenders for allowing Musiala to run free.

28'

Keep ball

Germany try to take the sting out of France's momentum by keeping the ball among themselves. They're only around the halfway line and aren't able to get much further forward, but it's a breather at least from that flurry of chances for Les Bleus.

25'

Ter Stegen stops Mbappé!

It's all France now, with chances coming thick and fast. Mbappé skips into the box down the left and tries to chip it over Ter Stegen, but the goalkeeper reads his intentions and makes a good save.

24'

Over from Upamecano

Mittelstädt concedes a free-kick wide on Germany's left, inside his own half. It's whipped to the back post, but Upamecano can't keep his header down.

22'

France building momentum

Dembélé shuffles past Mittelstädt down France's right and although his cross is cleared by Kroos, France come again almost immediately. This time the ball is lofted high towards the back post, where Mbappé brings it down and fires off a shot that whizzes just wide of the post.

19'

Over from Thuram

France's best chance of the game so far falls to Thuram. The home side make headway down the right and are lucky that Kounde's low cross into the middle bounces off a defender's leg and falls kindly for Thuram, but the former Gladbach striker's left-footed strike sails well over.

Different angle

Wirtz demonstrating his outstanding technique for his goal inside the first few seconds.

© Imago Images

15'

Dangerous position

Kroos is fouled in a central position, about 40 yards out. For a moment it looks like he might fancy a long-range effort, with goalkeeper Samba a little off his line, but instead he floats a ball towards the back post, looking for Tah. Pavard gets there first though, and France clear.

13'

Nothing middling about Mittelstädt

The Stuttgart left-back has looked right at home on his debut so far and has impressed with his aggressive pressing of Koundé. His already pinned him back into his own half and blocked two of his attempted clearances.

11'

Bright start

Wirtz's strike has naturally given Germany confidence and they've been the better side so far, stroking the ball around the pitch at ease and keeping France well away from Ter Stegen's goal.

The first of many

Wirtz celebrates scoring his first senior international goal for Germany - and what a goal it was!

© Getty Images

6'

Kimmich composed

Mbappé receives the ball wide on the left in a bit of space. He jinks forward for his first tête à tête with Kimmich, but the Bayern man stands his ground and wins the ball easily.

5'

Wirtz on the prowl

The Leverkusen playmaker causes mischief again, receiving a pass form Havertz and striding past Pavard down Germany's left. He slides a ball towards the near post for the onrushing Musiala, but the goalkeeper just gets there first.

2'

Wowzers!

Germany score right from kick-off! Kroos pings a long ball forward to Wirtz, who is all alone in a central position. He advances to the edge of the France penalty area and smashes the ball into the net. What a start!

1'

Florian Wirtz

GOAL!

0:1

Kick-off!

Team news - France

Bayern centre-back Dayot Upamecano starts for the home side, partnered by former clubmates Benjamin Pavard, now of Inter Milan, and Lucas Hernández (PSG). Further forward, former Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembélé begins alongside erstwhile Gladbach attacker Marcus Thuram and superstar Kylian Mbappé.

Team news - Germany

Kai Havertz starts up top ahead of Niclas Füllkrug, with Musiala, Wirtz and Gündogan floating behind him. Leverkusen enforced Robert Andrich begins in central midfield alongside the returning Kroos.

Soaking it all in

VfB Stuttgart's Maximilian Mittelstädt takes in the pre-match atmosphere ahead of making his senior Germany debut in this game.

© Imago Images

France starting XI

Samba - Koundé, Pavard, Upamecano, L. Hernández - Zaïre-Emery, Tchouaméni, Rabiot - Dembélé, Thuram, Mbappé (c)

France subs

Areola, Maignan, Clauss, Konaté, Saliba, T. Hernández, Camavinga, Diaby, Fofana, Guendouzi, Giroud, Kolo Muani

Germany starting XI

Ter Stegen - Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt - Kroos, Andrich - Wirtz, Gündoğan (c), Musiala - Havertz

Germany subs

Baumann, Leno, Anton, Henrichs, Koch, Raum, Führich, Groß, Müller, Beier, Füllkrug, Undav

3:32

Watch: Goal-hungry Leverkusen

Speaking of Leverkusen and the title race, Wirtz has been a key cog in Xabi Alonso's Werkself machine, contributing seven goals and 10 assists so far. Here's a closer look at what makes that team so special.

Title race mind games?

How might this Germany camp affect the Bundesliga title race ahead of the home straight? Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Müller are all part of the Bayern team currently 10 points behind Leverkusen trio Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah and Robert Andrich. It's safe to assume, then, there's already been some friendly banter. Will the Bayern boys try to get into the heads of their Leverkusen counterparts and unsettle them?

0:36

Watch: Kroos' top 5 Bundesliga goals

The midfielder is back in the Germany squad after coming out of retirement with a view to helping steer his country to continental glory this summer - the only trophy missing from his bulging cabinet. Check out some of Kroos' best Bundesliga strikes in the video above!

Even battle

This will be Germany's 34th meeting with France, and Thomas Müller has played in nine of those, more than any other player in Nationalmannschaft history. He has won three of those of those games - that's a record he shares with three other players. He does also lead the way for players who have lost against France though, with five.

Win tickets for the upcoming Klassiker!

From 23-31 March 2024, the DFL will be giving away high-quality prizes for Der Klassiker on Matchday 27! On the first two days of the promotion period, you will have the chance to secure two last-minute tickets for the match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund on 30 March 2024. Click here to find out how to enter!

© DFL

10:09

Watch: All Jamal Musiala's Bundesliga goals and assists so far

Jamal Musiala has been in flying form for Bayern, with nine goal contributions in his last five outings alone (five of his own, plus four assists). "If you're not directly on the receiving end of him, the youngster's an absolute joy to watch," enthused Darmstadt head coach Torsten Lieberknecht after Musiala scored twice and made another against the Lilies on Bundesliga Matchday 26. "He's a boon for Bayern, and the national team are so lucky to have a player like him. He's going to lead Germany to glory one day." Musiala, still only 21, has been handed his country's No.10 shirt ahead of the France game - what will be his 26th senior cap.

Nagelsmann's record

Nagelsmann oversaw a 3-1 friendly win over the USA on his debut as Germany head coach, but is winless in three following a 2-2 draw with Mexico and November defeats to Turkey (3-2) and Austria (2-0). The 36-year-old took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023 and has a contract through to the Euro 2024 finals.

© Getty Images

A France squad, made in the Bundesliga

Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano is the only current Bundesliga player in Didier Deschamps' squad. However, he's joined by former Bayern teammates Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernández, as well as ex-Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby and former Borussia Dortmund whizz Ousmane Dembélé. Randal Kolo Muani, who lit up the Bundesliga in 2022/23 in his only season with Eintracht Frankfurt, also makes the grade. Marcus Thuram and Ibrahima Konaté are two more familiar faces to Bundesliga fans, following respective spells with Borussia Mönchengladbach and RB Leipzig.

© Adam Pretty/Getty Images

Neuer and Kroos back

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is back in the squad after returning to his best following a serious leg break. Toni Kroos, meanwhile, has come out of international retirement and is set to represent his country for the first time since the rescheduled 2020 Euro finals. Both men were cornerstones of Germany's triumphant 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign. They have a combined cap count of 223.

© IMAGO/ActionPictures

2:09

Watch: The best of Germany's Stuttgart contingent

Julian Nagelsmann initially called up six new faces to his squad, but Bayern Munich teenager Aleksandar Pavlović has since withdrawn through injury. VfB Stuttgart trio Deniz Undav, Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstädt, Heidenheim talisman Jan-Niklas Beste and Hoffenheim top scorer Maximilian Beier could all debut against France, though.

Welcome!

Germany's final build towards Euro 2024 starts here. This summer's tournament hosts go up against France in Lyon on Saturday, before entertaining the Netherlands in Frankfurt next week. They've also pencilled in June friendlies with Ukraine and Greece, ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Scotland on the 14th of that month.

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