Mbappé goal and assist as France beat Germany 2-0 for NL third place
France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Germany and France at Stuttgart Arena. Federico Gambarini/dpa
Captain Kylian Mbappé scored and set up the other as France beat hosts Germany 2-0 on Sunday in the Nations League match for third place.
Mbappé netted a 50th goal in his 90th cap shortly before half-time, and then fed Michael Olise for the deciding second in the 84th.
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Victory was sweet after Thursday's 5-4 semi-final defeat against Spain, while Germany ended the home event with two defeats, having lost their semi 2-1 against Portugal on Wednesday.
Florian Wirtz hit the post, the hosts had a penalty call and a goal nullified upon review, but were also wasteful, especially early on.
The two games highlighted that Germany lack the squad depth of other top teams and have a lot of work ahead to become a major force again at big events.
Much-changed France were a constant threat on the counter after the break, with Marcus Thuram hitting the outside post, and German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen making several big saves.
The final between title holders and Euro 2024 champions Spain and Portugal is later Sunday in Munich.
France's Kylian Mbappe (C-R) scores his side's first goal past Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (L) during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Germany and France at Stuttgart Arena. Marijan Murat/dpa
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