Munich, June 8: Kylian Mbappé led France to Nations League consolation before Spain and Portugal play the final on Sunday.
The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other as France defeated host nation Germany 2-0 in the third-place decider.
Aurélien Tchouaméni set up club teammate Mbappé to score just before the break after Germany had dominated the first half, and Mbappé set up substitute Michael Olise to seal the result in the 84th after a much-improved second-half performance from the visitors.
France coach Didier Deschamps had made his lack of enthusiasm for the game clear the day before, noting his team had little to gain from playing it, and it was apparent which side was more motivated in front of the Stuttgart fans.
Germany missed a host of chances then had Deniz Undav’s equalizer ruled out for a foul by Niclas Füllkrug in the buildup. France was without injured Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé.Both sides were forced to play for the consolation prize after losing their semifinals. Germany lost 2-1 to Portugal on Wednesday before France lost 5-4 to European champion Spain on Thursday. Spain was playing Portugal later in Munich.
In the end, it was a match neither team particularly wanted to play, but France walked away with a sliver of pride restored. With their Nations League campaign ending in disappointment after a dramatic semi-final defeat to Spain, Didier Deschamps’ men ensured they didn’t leave Germany empty-handed. Kylian Mbappé, now officially a Real Madrid player, once again underlined his value with a goal and an assist, showing flashes of brilliance that salvaged some respectability for Les Bleus. His clinical finish before the break and an unselfish setup for Michael Olise’s goal late in the second half reminded everyone why he remains one of football’s brightest stars. Despite a spirited first-half performance, Germany were left to rue wasted opportunities and a disallowed goal that could have changed the script. (AP)
