Own goal enough for France to defeat Germany in the 'group of death'

In what could be the showpiece of any international football tournament, France faced Germany as a part of group F at Euro 2020. Game overflowing with top-quality players, great moves and intense tactical battle, Les Bleus deservedly defeated the Panzers 1-0.

Even though the match lacked goals, it was a great game to follow. Quality on the pitch was obvious, almost a billion of dollars performing at Allianz Arena in Munich.

For the first time in the history of any international competition that Germany and France are in the same group.

Germany started the match with more possession but as soon as they got to the final third and close to Hugo Lloris' goal box, French defence were organized enough to snatch the ball and prevent Gnabry, Havertz and Muller from scoring.

Great transition into offense by quick French attackers resulted in the first goal chance - in the 17th minute, Kylian Mbappe swirled around the defenders and attempted to beat Manuel Neuer with a close-range shot low towards the middle of the target, but PSG forward failed to score.

Only three minutes later, France were in front - courtesy of Matts Hummels, whose clumsy reaction inside his own box sent the ball behind Neuer.

Germany were encouraged by their home fans to chase after the equalizing goal and they were close in the 38th minute. Ilkay Gundogan missed a big opportunity to score after striking the ball wide of the right post.

Second half started with even more intensity while both team continued with their first-half tactics.

France could have doubled in the 52nd minute when Adrien Rabiot squandered a great opportunity after striking the ball onto Neuer's right post.

Just two minutes after, Serge Gnabry caught a great cross from Robin Gosens, but Gnabry's first-time effort flashed just over Lloris' bar.

Quite a frightening situation happened in the 59th minute when Benjamin Pavard took a heavy hit to the head by Gosens. Luckily, Pavard was able to proceed with the match.

In the 67th minute, beautiful solo effort that ended up behind Neuer's was disallowed due to Mbappe being offside.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the new top scorer of European Championships!

Eleven minutes later, Mbappe defied laws of physics with his speed - he had another chance to get close to Neuer's goal. However, Hummels went for all or nothing, tackled the ball Mbappe had in his feet, and prevented the young Frenchman from taking a shot. It looked like Hummels fouled Mbappe but referee Del Cerro Grande did not see it as a penalty.

French team had another disallowed goal due to offside in the 85th minute and rightfully so - Mbappe was one step closer to Neuer than Rudiger when the ball was sent to him.

Germans really missed a classic forward, spearhead that has that scoring instinct and movement between the defenders of Deschamps' team.

Every time Low's team got close to the opposite goal box, French were tight enough to keep the advantage on the scoreboard.

Eventually, France collected all three points to open up Euro 2020 in their journey to merge their World Cup title with the continental trophy.

With this victory, France and Portugal are in front in group F. For the sixth time in a row, Germany failed to defeat France.

EURO 2020

Group F

Hungary - Portugal 0-3 (0-0)

/Guerreiro 84', Ronaldo 87', 90+2'/

France - Germany 1-0 (1-0)

/Hummels 20' og/