Mbappe steers France to 2-0 win over Germany in Nations League
MUNICH — Kylian Mbappe led France to Nations League consolation before Spain and Portugal play the final on Sunday.
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The Real Madrid star scored his 50th goal for France before setting up the other as Les Bleus rallied after a lethargic start to defeat host nation Germany 2-0 in the third-place decider.
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Aurelien Tchouameni set up club teammate Mbappe to score just before the break after Germany had dominated the first half, and Mbappe set up substitute Michael Olise to seal the result in the 84th after a much-improved second-half performance from the visitors.
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'If you look at the first half, honestly, they were not bothered winning. But they still won,' Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said.
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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.
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'The game is there, we'll play it,' Deschamps had said. France was without injured Paris Saint-Germain stars Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.
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Germany missed a host of chances then had Deniz Undav's equalizer ruled out for a foul by Niclas Fullkrug in the buildup.
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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.
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Despite rain showers in the Bavarian capital, rival Spanish and Portuguese fans were mingling and singing before kickoff in Marienplatz, Munich's central square, and keeping local restaurants busy. With shops closed on Sundays in Germany, there was little for the supporters to do but sample specialties of Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) and sausages washed down with renowned local beers.
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