Le Tallec seals France revival

Kroos strike
France responded to Sascha Bigalke's early angled shot across goal with a sustained opening spell of possession, producing their first noteworthy attack in the form of Le Tallec's brave header at goal on 17 minutes. However, it was Germany who took the lead through Toni Kroos seven minutes later. Against the run of play, Henning Sauerbier worked his way into the penalty area from the right before cutting the ball back to the FC Bayern München playmaker who finished coolly from the edge of the area to register his second goal of the tournament.

Mini-Bleus revival
The French soon carved out another headed opportunity, Yann M'Vila beating his marker before finding Thibault Bourgeois who shot over while Henri Saivet's free-kick just before the half-hour mark was comfortably held by Fabien Giefer. Les Mini-Bleus continued to play positively in the second half with Bourgeois and Le Tallec combining well. The latter turned beautifully on 52 minutes to work himself space for a shot only for his angled strike to flash wide of the far post.

Le Tallec strikes
The striker did not have long to wait for his breakthrough, though, racing on to a headed clearance four minutes later, showing great skill and presence of mind to back-flick his way past two defenders and firing past Giefer. France had their tails up now, M'Vila trying his luck from distance only to blaze over and with nine minutes to go Le Tallec struck again, racing half the length of the field before drilling a low shot past Giefer from 14 metres. France thus snatched second place in Group A from Germany on head-to-head record, both three points behind Spain. Germany meet that side in their third Eupen fixture on Monday, when France take on Ukraine in Verviers as this group concludes.