Germany v France: line-ups, coaches' views, form guide
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Article summary
We preview the opening League A meeting between the last two FIFA World Cup winners.
Article top media content
Article body
- World champions' first game since summer win in Russia
- France beat Germany 2-0 in UEFA EURO 2016 semi-finals
- Areola to start for France with Lloris, Mandanda both out
- Les Bleus' last four away games v Germany: W3 D1
- UEFA Nations League calendar: all the fixtures
Possible line-ups
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Hummels, Boateng, Schulz; Kroos, Goretzka; Müller, Reus, Brandt; Werner
France: Areola; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernández; Kanté, Pogba, Matuidi; Griezmann, Mbappé, Giroud
Reporter's view: Jordan Maciel (@UEFAcomJordanM)
Following a disappointing summer, the pressure is on Germany to provide a positive reponse in their UEFA Nations League opener – and at home against newly-crowned world champions France, they have an ideal platform to do so. Coach Joachim Löw last week admitted that he "arrogantly believed Germany could get through the [World Cup] group stage with a dominant possession game", but there will be no room for complacency against Les Bleus.
What the coaches say
Joachim Löw, Germany coach
As far as the immediate future is concerned, it's important that we make some changes in the team. We have important fixtures ahead with the Nations League, and we'll prepare the team for the challenge. With a good mix of experience and youth, we'll get that feeling of absolute determination back. The team will be different.
Didier Deschamps, France coach
I don't see being world champions as a burden but as something wonderful, but we won't dwell on that. We're already thinking ahead. [Germany] did not make it to the World Cup knockout phase, but they still have a great squad. We love playing games like this. [Germany are] a big team and we have to stay focused. That's high-level football: you have to win every game and keep challenging yourself.
Form guide
Germany
FIFA World Cup
Qualifying – 1st in Group C (W10 D0 L0)
Final tournament – 4th in Group F (W1 D0 L2)
Last five matches (most recent first): LWLWL
France
FIFA World Cup
Qualifying – 1st in Group A (W7 D2 L1)
Final tournament – winners (W6 D1 L0)
Last five matches (most recent first): WWWWD