France secured third place in the UEFA Nations League with a composed 2-0 win over hosts Germany in Stuttgart, thanks to a goal and an assist from captain Kylian Mbappé. The Paris Saint-Germain forward marked a personal milestone in the process, becoming only the third Frenchman to score 50 international goals.
The MHPArena played host to a match filled with drama, missed opportunities, and video assistant referee (VAR) interventions. While the home crowd had hoped to see Germany respond positively after their semi-final defeat to Portugal, it was France who emerged stronger, showing more clinical edge and tactical discipline.
Mbappé Milestone
In a match that was finely balanced for much of the first half, it was Mbappé who broke the deadlock moments before the interval. The 25-year-old linked up smoothly with Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouaméni before slotting a composed finish past Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the 45th minute. The goal not only gave France the lead but also marked Mbappé’s 50th for Les Bleus, putting him behind only Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51) in the all-time list.
Mbappé was a constant threat throughout the evening, and while he was denied by Ter Stegen on several occasions and missed a couple of chances, his impact proved decisive.
Controversy and Missed Chances for Germany
Germany, under pressure following back-to-back defeats, tried to respond quickly and had a flurry of moments that could have turned the match. However, VAR had other plans.
First, Karim Adeyemi appeared to have won a penalty after going down under the challenge of France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Referee initially pointed to the spot, but a VAR review showed there was no contact, and Adeyemi was instead booked for simulation.
Moments later, Deniz Undav thought he had drawn Germany level, tapping home after Niclas Füllkrug’s knockdown. Yet again, VAR intervened, with Füllkrug judged to have fouled Adrien Rabiot in the build-up — the goal was chalked off.
Despite the setbacks, Germany continued to push forward. Adeyemi forced Maignan into three saves, while Florian Wirtz came closest to scoring when his powerful strike hit the post.
France Wrap It Up Late
With Germany committing more men forward, space opened up at the back — and Mbappé capitalized. In the 84th minute, he pounced on a poor touch from Robin Koch, drove forward, and unselfishly squared the ball to Michael Olise, who tapped into an empty net to make it 2-0.
It was a moment of calm amid the storm, a testament to Mbappé’s growing maturity and leadership in the French setup.
What’s Next?
The result means Germany finish the tournament without a win in three games — a worrying sign for Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the European Championship on home soil next year. Questions will be asked about both the team’s discipline and ability to convert chances at the highest level.
France, meanwhile, can take pride in finishing on a high after their semi-final heartbreak against Spain. With a youthful, talented squad and a leader like Mbappé at the helm, Didier Deschamps’ side remain a force to be reckoned with heading into future tournaments.
Later tonight, all eyes will be on Munich, where Spain face Portugal in the final of what has been an entertaining Nations League campaign. For now, though, it’s France celebrating in Stuttgart, and a captain leading by both word and deed.
