Mbappé sends France past Germany to claim Nations League bronze
France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe (L) and Germany's defender #03 Robin Koch vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League third place play-off football match between Germany and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany on 8 June, 2025.
Kylian Mbappé bagged a goal and an assist as France beat Germany 2-0 in the Nations League bronze-medal match in Stuttgart on Sunday.
Germany dominated the opening half but Mbappé provided the breakthrough just before half-time, carving a shot through a crowded penalty box to bring up his 50th goal in France colours.
Advertisement
Late in the second, with the hosts desperately looking for an equaliser, Mbappé snatched a poor Germany pass on the half-way line and rampaged forward, before setting up Michael Olise.
The French showed their incredible depth, while Mbappé again demonstrated his finishing and pace.
For Germany, who lost two straight straight matches for the first time since 2023, questions remain over how much they have truly improved under Julian Nagelsmann.
In the lead-up to Sunday's encounter, France coach Didier Deschamps admitted the Nations League clash with old rivals Germany "isn't the most important game for us," with a clear focus on next year's World Cup.
Advertisement
Deschamps made eight changes from the semi-final loss to Spain, with only captain Mbappé, goalie Mike Maignan and midfield veteran Adrien Rabiot keeping their starting spots.
Nagelsmann also rotated heavily, making four changes including bringing striker Niclas Fuellkrug back into the starting XI.
Lightning-fast forwards
The Germans had a wealth of chances in the opening half. Karim Adeyemi won a penalty but it was overturned by VAR for diving with. Florian Wirtz hit the post.
(with AFP)
Read more on RFI English
Read also:
Kylian machine: Mbappé fires Madrid's Champions League rout of Manchester City
Mbappé will emerge stronger at Real Madrid, says Didier Drogba
Mbappé and Kolo Muani sparkle as Deschamps hails Zidane as likely France coach
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 93
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 93 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There are 93 days left until the New Orleans Saints start their 2025 regular season with an opening showdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Advertisement Wearing number 93 for the Saints this year will be defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd. He's in his third year with the team and entering his eighth NFL season overall. Let's have a look at Shepherd, along with the other players that have worn 93 during a regular season game for New Orleans. Saints History of 93 Sep 18, 2023; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (93) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9). Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images • Gary Lewis, DT (1983) • Kevin Young, DE (1987) • Wayne Martin, DE (1989-99) • Darren Howard, DE (2000-05) • Rob Ninkovich, DE (2006) • Josh Savage, DE (2007) • Bobby McCray, DE (2008-09) • Junior Galette, DE (2010-14) • Kevin Williams, DT (2015) • David Onyemata, DT (2016-22) • Nathan Shepherd, DT (2023-present) Sep 29, 1991; New Orleans Saints defensive end Wayne Martin (93) against the Atlanta Falcons. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images Lewis, a fourth-round pick in 1983, was the first to don 93 for the Saints. He only played that season in the NFL, appearing in six games and not registering a tackle. Young was next to wear 93, appearing in one game as a replacement player during the 1987 player strike. Advertisement The Saints used the 19th overall choice in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft on Wayne Martin out of Arkansas. Martin would go on to have an outstanding 11-year career, all in New Orleans. He played in 173 of a possible 179 contests, earning 2nd Team All-Pro in 1992 and a Pro Bowl berth in the 1994 season. Martin recorded 82.5 sacks during his Saints career, adding 25 fumbles forced or recovered and an interception. He had five years of double-digit sack totals and ranks third in franchise history in that category. In 2003, Martin was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame. New Orleans Saints defensive end Darren Howard (93). Credit: When Martin retired after the 1999 season, the Saints replaced him more than aptly with Darren Howard, a second-round choice in the 2000 NFL Draft out of Kansas State. Howard was an underrated member of a ferocious defensive line through the early 2000s, spending six years in New Orleans. Advertisement Howard played in 81 games for the Saints between 2000 and 2005, starting 77 contests. Over that span, he had 44.5 sacks, 89 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions. He had two seasons of double-digit sacks, including a team-high 11 in 2004. Ninkovich is best-known for a standout career with the New England Patriots. He actually began his career with New Orleans as a fifth-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Ninkovich played just three games with the Saints in 2006 before being released the following preseason. Dec 23, 2012; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Junior Galette (93). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images Savage wore 93 for one game during the 2007 season before switching to 95 for three contests the following year. McCray took 93 in 2008, playing two years with the Saints and contributing 7.5 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 15 tackles for loss. Advertisement An undrafted rookie in 2010, Galette had a forgettable end to his Saints career after five seasons with the team after a spectacular start. Galette had 31.5 sacks as a Saint, including a combined 22 takedowns in 2013 and 2014, while adding 62 QB hits and 34 stops for negative yardage. Big defensive tackle Kevin Williams took 93 for one year in 2015. He helped an otherwise bad run defense, but had just one tackle for loss and no sacks. Next to Wayne Martin and arguably Darren Howard, the best 93 in team history would arrive in the draft that following offseason. Nov 13, 2022; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) brings down Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Saints doubled down on defensive tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft, selecting Sheldon Rankins in the first round. They followed that up with a little-known Canadian prospect out of Manitoba by way of Nigeria in the fourth round named David Onyemata. Advertisement Rankins had a nice career for the Saints, but the ultra-athletic Onyemata would be even more productive. In seven years with New Orleans, Onyemata had 23 sacks, 63 QB hits, and 28 tackles for loss while missing only eight of a possible 114 games. Once Onyemata departed in free agency, the Saints brought Shepherd in at defensive tackle. He's held that spot for two years, making 30 starts and missing just one game. In that span, Shepherd has 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 14 QB hits. He'll look for even better numbers in Brandon Staley's New Orleans defense this season. Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 94 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 96 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 98 Related: Trevor Penning May Have A New Home On Saints Offensive Line Related: Saints Quarterback Ranking According To Pro Football Focus This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 90
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 90 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New Orleans Saints are three months away, specifically 90 days, from their 2025 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. New Orleans is attempting to better their 5-12 record from a year ago under new head coach Kellen Moore. Advertisement One of several returning players for the Saints is defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, who will be wearing number 90 for New Orleans. Entering his third season, Bresee is the 15th player to wear No. 90 in franchise history. Here's a look back at the list. Saints History of 90 Aug 20, 2016; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) chases down Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13). Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images • Walter Johnson, LB (1989) • James Williams, LB (1990-94) • Israel Stanley, DT (1995) • Jared Tomich, DE (1997-2000) • Kenny Smith, DT (2001-03) • DeMario Pressley, DT (2009) • Turk McBride, DT (2011-12) • Tavaris Barnes, DT (2015) • Nick Fairley, DT (2016) • George Johnson, DE (2017) • Jay Bromley, DT (2018) • Malcom Brown, DT (2019-20) Advertisement • Montravius Adams, DT (2021) • Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE (2021-22) • Bryan Bresee, DT (2023-present) New Orleans Saints defensive end Jared Tomich (90) makes a tackle against the Chicago Bears. Credit: Louisiana Tech product Johnson was the first to suit up in 90 for the Saints after coming over from the Oilers. He'd last only one year in New Orleans after playing 15 games of mostly special teams duty. Williams came along the following year and spent five years buried on the depth chart behind the Dome Patrol. He still played in 78 contests, making 20 starts, and recorded 3 sacks along with 2 interceptions. Stanley had 2 sacks and forced a fumble in 14 games during his only year as a Saint. A second round choice in the 1997 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, Tomich recorded 10 sacks and forced 4 fumbles in 55 games with 18 starts over four years with New Orleans. Nov 3, 1991; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) hits the ground in front of New Orleans Saints linebacker James Williams (90). Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK Smith, a 2001 third round pick out of Alabama, managed only 4.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss in his three years on the squad. Pressley was injured his 2008 rookie year than had 3 stops for loss in 2009 during his lone season as a Saint. Advertisement McBride had 2 sacks during his two years with New Orleans. Barnes was a little-used reserve and only played one NFL season. Johnson, Bromley, and Adams played a combined 10 outings with the Saints in 2017, 2018 and 2021, respectively. Fairley also played just one year (2016) for New Orleans. A first round choice by the Lions in 2011, Fairley looked like he was resurrecting his career after joining the Saints with a career-best 6.5 sacks, 22 QB hits, and 9 stops for loss. After signing a four-year contract extension with the team during the 2017 offseason, a routine physical revealed a heart condition that would end Fairley's football career. Nov 8, 2020; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images Malcom Brown was an underrated run stopper for the Saints during his two-year run with the team. Over 29 starts, Brown also added 3.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. The Saints run defense has deteriorated since his departure. Advertisement Kpassagnon had been with the Saints for the previous four seasons. He wore No. 90 for the first two of those years before switching to No. 92. In his two years sporting 90, Kpassagnon had 6 sacks and 19 QB hits over 23 outings. Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Bresee looks like a cornerstone for a rebuilding New Orleans defense. A first round choice out of Clemson in 2023, Bresee is already arguably the most productive player to wear No. 90 for the Saints after just two years. Bresee has 12 career sacks with 23 QB hits and 14 tackles for loss. His 7.5 sacks led the team last year, as he added 19 pressures and 7 tackles for negative yardage. Bresee's continued development is critical as New Orleans tries to rebound from a 30th defensive ranking last season. Advertisement Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints Related: Former Saints Defensive Star Arrested, Per Report Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 91 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 93 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 95 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 97 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With History Of Number 99 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 92
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 92 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. We are currently 92 days out from the New Orleans Saints 2025 regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints will have a new coach in Kellen Moore and are hoping to improve on their 5-12 record from a season ago. Advertisement Newly-acquired defensive lineman Davon Godchaux currently wears number 92 for the Saints. He's one of several new faces brought in by the team this offseason. He could also become the latest of 13 different players to wear that number during a regular season game with New Orleans. Let's have a look at the others. Saints History of 92 Dec 15, 2014; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by New Orleans Saints nose tackle John Jenkins (92). Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-Imagn Images • James Haynes, LB (1984-89) • DeMond Winston, LB (1990-94) • Darren Mickell, DE (1996-97) • Troy Wilson, DE (1999) • Martin Chase, DT (2000-02) • Henry Ford, DT (2003) • Tony Bryant, DE (2004-05) • Remi Ayodele, DT (2008-10) • Shaun Rogers, DT (2011) • John Jenkins, DT (2013-16) Advertisement • John Hughes, DT (2017) • Marcus Davenport, DE (2018-22) • Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE (2023-24) • Davon Godchaux, DT (present) Sep 18, 2023; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws under pressure from New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (92). Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images The first to wear 92 for the Saints was Haynes, who did it for six years, 61 games, and 23 starts. Overshadowed behind the Dome Patrol for most of his career, Hughes served as a solid backup for the iconic foursome and had four career sacks along with an interception. Winston followed Haynes up to work behind the Dome Patrol in the back part of their era, serving mostly on special teams for four years. Mickell came on as a free agent in 1996. He was a solid defender for otherwise bad teams, recording 6.5 sacks in 25 starts over two years. Advertisement Chase quietly had 5.5 sacks in 1999, his second of two years on awful Mike Ditka Saints squads. Bryant was stuck behind outstanding New Orleans defensive lines for his two seasons but still managed 6 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Nov 25, 2010; New Orleans Saints nose tackle Remi Ayodele (92) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna (3). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons- Imagn Images Ayodele was a quiet but very effective contributor during the Saints run to a Super Bowl XLIV title. He started 29 contests between 2009 and 2010, recording 2.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss while adding a touchdown on a fumble return. Most of Rogers' career was built with the Lions, but he was a productive run-stopper for one year in New Orleans towards the end of his career. Hughes had a similar resume'; productive with the Browns early before ending his career with the Saints. Advertisement Between Rogers and Hughes was Jenkins, a massive third round pick in the 2013 draft. Jenkins had only 1.5 sacks and 6 stops for loss in three seasons with the Saints, but was at times immovable at the line of scrimmage against the run. Davenport is easily the most controversial and criticized No. 92 in franchise history. New Orleans traded up in the 2018 NFL draft to get him at the 14th overall choice. While Davenport flashed immense potential, he never did so consistently and missed a ton of time with nagging injuries. Oct 28, 2018; New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8). Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images All told, Davenport missed 21 full games and most of several others over his five years with the Saints. He countered that with modest career production of 21.5 sacks, 60 QB hits, and 25 tackles for loss. Advertisement Kpassagnon came to the Saints in 2021, then switched to No. 92 in 2023 after Davenport's departure. He had 3.5 sacks and 13 pressures in his first year after the number change, but missed most of the 2024 season with an Achilles injury. Godchaux was acquired in a trade with the Patriots this offseason in exchange for a 2026 seventh round draft choice. The former LSU and Plaquemine Senior High School star now returns to his home state after four years each with the Dolphins and Patriots. Related: Former Saints Defensive Star Arrested, Per Report Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 93 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 94 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
