Deutschland – Frankreich 1:2
Germany deservedly lost against a well-organized France in a friendly played in Bremen. The Germans haven’t beaten the French in 25 years or so, or maybe since 1940, can’t remember. Joggi Löw’s squad was missing key players such as Podolski, Schweinsteiger and Götze, but overall seemed a bit uninterested. After falling behind only minutes into the match, the Germans attacked strongly and created several good chances, but basically blew their opportunities.
In the second half, France put the game away with a nice counterattack down the flanks and some sloppy defending. In injury time Cacau managed to score the Ehrentreffer, which is actually more than he’s done for Stuttgart all year. Basically, on form, he should have been on participating as the 38,000: from a seat in the stands. But he’s always been one of Joggi’s favorites, and at least took advantage.
A deserved French victory, but I wouldn’t put too much into it. Germany has a tradition of rather lackadaisical friendlies, and they largely could care less about the match. That’s not to say they wouldn’t prefer a good outing and a nice win, like when they spanked Holland or Brazil, but this is a team that focuses on tournaments and trophies instead of meaningless friendlies – unlike England for example.
France looked pretty good, showing what they’re capable of. They were quick to counterattack, defended reasonably well and overall looked determined. Given their recent ho-hum history, this should serve as a catalyst that they haven’t lost it.
GERMANY: Wiese - Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Aogo - Khedira, Kroos - Reus, Özil , Schürrle - Klose Subs: 45. T. Müller for Schürrle 46. Gomez for Klose 46. Höwedes for Badstuber 70. Cacau for Reus 70. L. Bender for Khedira FRANCE: Aufstellung: Lloris - Debuchy, Rami, Mexes, Abidal - Cabaye, M'Vila - Valbuena, Ribery - Nasri - Giroud Subs: 46. Menez for Ribery 62. A. Diarra for M'Vila 62. Malouda for Cabaye 68. Amalfitano for Valbuena 76. Saha for Giroud Scoring: 0:1 Giroud (21., Valbuena) 0:2 Malouda (69., Giroud) 1:2 Cacau (90. + 1, T. Müller) Attendance: 37,800 in Bremen's Weserstadion (sold out)