Khedira praises plucky Germany after France draw

Stindl’s last-gasp equaliser saves unbeaten run

Sami Khedira said world champions Germany proved their never-saydie spirit as Lars Stindl’s lastgasp equaliser preserved their 21-match unbeaten run in Tuesday’s 2-2 friendly draw against France.

A first international double by Alexandre Lacazette in Cologne put France on the verge of a deserved victory in a clash of two of the favourites for next year’s World Cup.

The Arsenal striker scored either side of a Timo Werner goal, before Stindl struck in the 93rd minute to maintain Germany’s unbeaten run dating back to their 2-0 defeat by France in the Euro 2016 semifinals. “We had some luck in the first half, but we also had our chances to score,” said Khedira, Germany’s stand-in captain with Manuel Neuer injured.

“It is quite normal when playing in different line-ups that you have one or two problems,” he added after Germany made six changes from Friday’s goalless draw with England.

“I think that we have been able to compete at a very high level overall this year.

“We pressed hard after the break.

“We conceded the goal from nothing to make it 2-1, but we also showed the morale to come back from behind.”

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted he was disappointed with the draw.

“It’s a bit disappointing, we were close to getting the win,” said the 1998 World Cup winner.