France Claim Nations League third place

France clinched third place in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League with a 2-0 win over Germany in Stuttgart on Saturday evening, as Kylian Mbappé reached the 50-goal milestone for his country and Michael Olise netted his first international goal.

Despite a nervy start and ongoing defensive teething issues, Didier Deschamps’ experimental side found just enough balance between steel and flair to secure a morale-boosting result ahead of September’s World Cup qualifiers.

Maignan and VAR to the rescue

France were under pressure early on, and it was Mike Maignan, reportedly a target for Chelsea this summer, who stood firm between the posts. The AC Milan goalkeeper denied both Nick Woltemade and Karim Adeyemi with strong saves in the opening quarter-hour as Germany made the most of Les Bleus’ makeshift back line.

Deschamps handed rare starts to Lucas Hernandez—returning from over a year out—alongside rookies Malo Gusto and Loïc Badé, both of whom featured prominently in Ligue 1 this season with Lyon and Rennes respectively. The trio were regularly exposed by Julian Nagelsmann’s energetic side.

However, France’s fortunes turned as Rayan Cherki, making his full senior debut, injected directness and creativity. The OL academy graduate forced Marc-André Ter Stegen into action with a fierce near-post effort before Badé also tested the Barcelona ‘keeper from the resulting corner.

Germany thought they’d earned a penalty when Adeyemi went down under minimal contact from Hernandez, but after a VAR review, the spot-kick was overturned and the Borussia Dortmund winger was shown a yellow card for simulation.

Mbappé’s 50th international goal came at the perfect moment—right before half-time. The Real Madrid striker latched onto a cross from club teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, taking a composed touch before curling a low shot past Ter Stegen via the far post. It was a historic strike from the France captain, who continues to redefine the nation’s attacking records at just 26.

France had the better of the second half without always making it count. Mbappé missed a clear chance to double the lead, while VAR spared Les Bleus again, cancelling out a Deniz Undav equaliser after Niclas Füllkrug was deemed to have fouled Adrien Rabiot in the build-up.

As Germany committed more players forward, France found more space on the break. Marcus Thuram and Mbappé both wasted good chances, but with nine minutes to go, Robin Koch’s slip allowed Mbappé to run clear and square unselfishly for Michael Olise, who tapped into an empty net for his first France goal.

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