On the very first matchday ever of the UEFA Nations League, old rivals Germany and France meet. The Allianz Arena in Munich is the setting for the two-way battle between the two world champions.
Germany:
For the German national team last summer was one to forget quickly. The world champion of 2014 played a moderate preparation, surrounded by riots. This negative trend could not be breached at the World Cup itself. The ultra-attacking playing style of Bundestrainer Joachim Löw degenerated into a kamikaze tactic. The Mannschaft was countered against Mexico and South Korea. Therefore, the team returned to Germany after three games.
The last week there were many stories in the German media about a ‘new start’, although different players indicated that this can not really be the case, with largely the same selection and the same national coach. Mesut Özil will not return in the selection, while Leroy Sané will be present; although he now has disciplinary problems at his club. By dropping Jonas Hector and the injury of Marvin Plattenhardt, there is no real left back in the current selection. A system with three central defenders is possible. Or Thilo Kehrer must be drawn up as a left back.
France:
In the European Championship finals of two years ago in our own country things went wrong, but it did happen last summer. The French national team won a big tournament. Les Bleus played a solid tournament, without really impressing with a flashing game. The good organization and individual qualities of the star players were sufficient for the second world title in the history of the country.
National coach Didier Deschamps, in his selection he has called for the next two matches – Sunday, France against the Netherlands – did not win any big surprises from the top hat. The selection that seized gold in Russia is regaining confidence. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is missing due to an injury. He will probably be replaced by Alphonse Areola on Thursday in Müchen.
PREDICTION: 1X @ 1.42
