Lloris hails France’s mental strength
to the world champions follows a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the Netherlands just two days ago signalling a record sixth defeat for the German national team in a calendar year.
out of the World Cup in Russia, finishing bottom of the group following defeats to Mexico and South Korea, they will be relegated from the top-tier of the newly constituted Nations League if they lose to the Dutch in the final group match on November 19. Ukraine 1 Republic of Ireland 0 Wales 1
Norway 1 Slovenia 1
Kazakhstan 4 Latvia 0 Czech Republic 0
Bulgaria 0 Cyprus 1
Andorra 0 Georgia 3
five changes to the team from their loss to the Dutch, his dependency on the likes of defender Mats
Hummels and a 32-year-old Manuel Neuer, who is no longer the world-class goalkeeper he was after twice fracturing his foot in 2017, often leaves gaps.
awarded against Germany may have looked contentious, it was Hummels who was guilty of committing the infraction. The likes of Marc-andre ter Stegen are knocking on Neuer’s door in goal but Loew lacks the bravery to replace the old guard. PARIS: Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris hailed the mental strength that saw World Cup winners France overcome a patchy opening period to beat Germany 2-1.
Les Bleus captain Lloris was one of several players who admitted the hosts had desperately needed to raise their game against a rejuvenated Germany
in the last thirteen games speak for itself. Germany, a side that outscored opponents with ease, are no longer a force to be feared in their opponents' penalty area.
in the likes of Leroy Sane and Serge Gnarby to inject pace into Germany’s attack but the duo alongside striker Timo Werner were unable to capitalise and finish off their opportunities in front of goal. Veteran Thomas Mueller, who came on for a cameo, seems to have lost his finishing touch. side that showed plenty of promise. “When we lift our level, the players’ talents really come to Germany manager
was the first time Germany have lost two consecutive competitive matches since 2000. Back then, to Germany’s rescue, came a generation boasting the likes of Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and younger and highly efficient versions of
Mueller and Toni Kroos.
next gen — Sane, Julian Draxler, Julian Brandt and especially Kimmich have talent, but have failed to step up in the face of sturdy challenges. This generation also lacks a stand-out star like Kylian Mbappe, who helped France win the World Cup. the fore,” said Lloris.
He also hailed France’s defensive efforts in the closing minutes. We had to stay alert at the back... stay calm and composed so as not to concede the second goal.” Following a scoreless draw against Germany in Munich, a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and a tense 2-2 draw with Iceland, France sit top of Group 1.
Despite an average age of 25, France are showing maturity beyond their years — a tendency vice-captain Raphael Varane believes was crucial to their World Cup success.
“We managed to win the World Cup thanks to our mental qualities, despite some difficult moments,” said Varane.
The Real Madrid player added: “We have to keep these values, and not allow panic to set in. We have confidence in ourselves, and we know what we’re capable of.”