Germany and France meet in Sunday’s third-place playoff in Stuttgart, with both sides looking to respond after dramatic semi-final exits. With silverware off the table, pride and a positive finish will be the main incentives — particularly for the hosts in front of their home crowd. With attacking talent on show and the pressure off, this has all the ingredients of a free-flowing, end-to-end affair. Here are my thoughts, along with a suggested bet to consider.
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GERMANY v FRANCE– Click here to bet
The curtain-raiser for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League action sees Germany and France square off in the third-place playoff at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. While this match may lack the intensity and pressure of the final, both teams will be eager to sign off their campaigns on a high after agonising defeats in the semi-finals.
Hosts Germany were left bitterly disappointed after crashing out at the penultimate hurdle despite taking the lead against Portugal early in the second half. After a cautious first 45 minutes ended goalless, Germany struck just minutes after the restart and looked on course for the final. However, defensive fragility – a recurring theme throughout their Nations League campaign – cost them dearly, as they conceded twice in five minutes, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner in the 68th minute.
The 2-1 defeat not only dashed their hopes of lifting a maiden Nations League title but also marked their first loss of the tournament after a solid unbeaten run of five wins and three draws during regulation time. More worryingly, it extended their run to four straight matches without a clean sheet, with both teams scoring in each of those games – a trend which highlights their vulnerability at the back despite their attacking flair.
France, meanwhile, were involved in arguably the most dramatic match of the tournament. Trailing 4-0 to Spain, Didier Deschamps’ side launched a stunning late comeback that saw them score four times, ultimately falling short in a thrilling 5-4 defeat. While their fightback was admirable and showcased the attacking depth at their disposal, it also raised fresh questions about their defensive discipline and tactical balance – particularly in high-stakes matches.
Les Bleus have now kept just two clean sheets in their last seven outings, and similar to Germany, they have leaned heavily on their attacking prowess to stay competitive in this competition. With little more than pride on the line and both sides fielding attacking line-ups, this playoff could offer plenty of entertainment for neutrals.
Head-to-Head
Germany have won their last two meetings with France, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent encounter — a friendly held in Lyon last year — followed by a 2-0 win in a previous friendly in 2023. However, France have had the upper hand in competitive fixtures, having recorded back-to-back wins over Germany in both the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship.
Betting
Germany 15/10
Draw 11/4
France 17/10
Verdict
While both sides will be disappointed not to be contesting the final, this matchup promises entertainment. With their respective defences exposed in the semi-finals, and given how both teams have consistently found the net throughout the tournament, expect goals at both ends. The pressure off could lead to a more open affair than usual.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 and Yes at 15/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
