Hummels own goal hands France 1-0 victory over Germany

France breezed past Germany in the marquee fixture of the opening round of Euro 2020, with an own goal from Mats Hummels in the first half separating the two sides. The reigning world champions entered Euro 2020 as the overwhelming favourites to win the title and enjoyed the perfect start to their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Joachim Low’s Germany in Munich.

This high-octane clash had a knockout feel to it, with plenty of world-class talents on show. Didier Deschamps opted for a 4-3-3 with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann accompanied by the returning Karim Benzema in the front three. Germany meanwhile, employed a 3-4-3 system that worked wonders in the 7-1 win over Latvia last week with central midfielder Joshua Kimmich operating at right wing-back. 

While Germany did start on the front foot, it was France who gained the upper hand in this absorbing affair. Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe both had chances to open the scoring before Les Bleus eventually took the early lead thanks to Mats Hummels’ own goal. The goal was set up by Paul Pogba, who evaded a couple of challenges before playing a delicious cross-field pass to Lucas Hernandez. The Bayern defender did well to direct the ball towards that corridor of uncertainty only for Mats Hummels to slice the ball straight past Manuel Neuer into his own net.

Pogba was deservedly named man of the match for his performance which included 12 ball recoveries, 13 duels won and four fouls won. While Kante was busy snapping at ankles and breaking the play, it was Pogba who was dictating the tempo for France, spreading balls and switching the play from either side in a completely dominant performance from midfield.

The game grew increasingly end-to-end at the start of the second half, with Adrien Rabiot hitting the post before Serge Gnabry blazed his volley from close-range over the bar. Les Bleus were happy to protect their 1-0 lead in the latter stages of the game, defending deep in a low block and using the blistering pace of Kylian Mbappe on the counter. The PSG forward’s speed caused Germany’s back three problems throughout the night and France had the ball in the back of the net twice due to Mbappe’s movement, only for both goals to be chalked out for off-side.

Despite all their possession, Germany created very little of note towards the latter stages of the game, with France comfortably able to hold them at arm’s length for the majority of the game.

With this defeat, Germany’s next fixture against reigning European Champions Portugal becomes a must-win encounter as they look to keep their Euro 2020 hopes alive.