OLD GUARD PAYS OFF
notably from Marco Reus, Mueller and then Matthias Ginter in the second half.
“We saw that against a team as strong as France, players like Hummels, Boateng and Kroos are extremely important, because of their class, their experience and their quality. The youngsters will get their opportunity.”
Loew also opted to start with Ginter and Antonio Ruediger, in the full- back positions, a decision that was rewarded as Germany kept Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and company at bay. the French will turn out at home for the first time since their glorious campaign in Russia.
The top sides in each of the four groups in League A will advance to a mini final tournament in June next year, with the overall Nations League title at stake before the Euro 2020 qualifiers begin.
Below the elite league, there is promotion and relegation and also a potential path to the European Championship for those who do not make it via the traditional qualifiers.
GOOD NIGHT FOR GIGGS
Bale scored a stunning goal as an impressive Wales beat the Republic of Ireland 4- 1 in Ryan Giggs’ first competitive match as manager.
Bale followed up his fine start to the season with Real Madrid by curling in a sensational strike from outside the box in the 18th minute of their League B encounter in Cardiff.
It was a 30th international goal for Bale, who is Wales’ all- time leading goal- scorer.
Tom Lawrence had already given Wales the lead before that, and 17year- old Ethan Ampadu set up Aaron Ramsey for the third goal before halftime.
Bale set up Connor Roberts for the hosts’ fourth after the break, before substitute Shaun Williams pulled a goal back for the Irish after robbing Ramsey of possession.