National coach Joachim Löw spoke of “light and shadow”. Even the returnees Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels could not do miracles at the push of a button. The exploitation of chances remains a cardinal problem: A clear plus in opportunities and deals was only reflected in the 1-0 from Florian Neuhaus, who still did most of the self-promotion in midfield. There were also two aluminum hits from Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich.
The DFB team once again lacked the sovereignty to get a head start on the finish line. Leipzig professional Yussuf Poulsen was able to equalize for the Danes. “Of course the goal is annoying,” said Müller after his 101st international match, in which the 31-year-old had “seen a lot of good things”, not just the “unfortunate crossbar”.
Löw also sees improvements
Löw attested the retired executives Müller and Hummels “a good game”. He registered important changes through the duo. “The communication on the field, the commands and instructions were improved. That was very positive. “
The 61-year-old also rated the test of the three-man chain against Austria’s World Cup qualifiers as an option against the strong offensive French as a success: “For me, it is crucial that the last row is good.” Ginter, Süle and Hummels.
Loew did not look discouraged ahead. He is happy to be able to work on the pitch with the four Champions League finalists Antonio Rüdiger, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner from Chelsea and Ilkay Gündogan from Manchester City on Friday. “Then we have more than a week to turn the right screws.” The dress rehearsal on Monday in Düsseldorf against Latvia remains, in order to ignite the still necessary EM boost with a sense of achievement.
Returning Benzema convinces with France
Germany’s European Championship opponent France was in better shape. The world champion won 3-0 in Nice against Wales – the missed penalty from team returnee Karim Benzema got over it, especially since the Real Madrid goalgetter showed an appealing performance. “He was very present and showed a lot of good things,” said team principal Didier Deschamps.
The goals for the French were scored by Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. “It was unfortunate for him, the penalty was shot well. I would have been happy for him if he had scored, but if he saves it for later… ”said Deschamps. The 33-year-old future club colleague of David Alaba has integrated well into the collective, praised the coach. Benzema was surprisingly nominated for the EM in mid-May and has now returned to the “Equipe Tricolore” after more than five and a half years.
