Germany show signs of recovery despite France defeat

Posted on June 20, 2021 by Nnamd Collins

European giants France and Germany clashed at the Allianz Arena in Munich to draw the curtain on Round 1 of the ongoing European competition. Despite the Germans having the advantage of playing at home, it was a match few tipped them to win partly because of their sub-par performance in recent tournaments and also the commanding status of the French team currently in world football. The French team came out tops in the tie as predicted by many, winning it by a goal to nil, but the Germans can point to few positives as signs of better days to come.

France outplayed on the Ball

Though the Germans lacked cutting edge around the opponent’s box, they were a point short of 60% in terms of possession while the latter came in at a distant 41%, based on statistics. Records show that the Germans completed 274 more passes than their opponents 371 and conjured a total 725 passes which was 287 passes more than their opponent’s 438. This should be massive for a side that is licking the wounds of an early First Round exit in the 2018 World Cup which France won and more recently, a six goal battering without reply to Spain in the inaugural UEFA Nations League. To come to this game and dominate possession against a side tipped as tournament favourites by celebrated coaches like Jose Mourinho, should be a great fit.

Germany posts more dangerous attacks

The Germans were the more attacking side on the night in a game that saw up to 13000 fans allowed into the stadium as the covid-19 related restrictions are gradually being eased. Though labeled toothless by James Hilsum in his match report titled “European Championship Favourites France edge past toothless Germany” available on live score, it should be acknowledged that Germany crafted 67 more attacks to France’s 84 on record, with 59 of those branded as dangerous in comparison to only 17 for France. In fact, it is very encouraging that the quoted article admits that France’s victory over Germany is hard fought.

Some bite from Germany If the opening day Germany defeat to France is construed as a mere setback and not a lack of bite based on these discernible positives, German fans will have every reason to be optimistic for the future and German Coach Joachim Low may as well keep sights of signing out to great cheers after the EUROs. Hopefully, the result of the upcoming match against Portugal will adduce this position more as I expect the Germans to begin the push of advancing to the next round of the tournament on a positive note.