LOW PRESSURE AS GRIEZMANN STRIKES

FOR so long, this appeared to be the night when Germany’s haunting ordeal would end. Away to world champions France, Joachim Low’s side played with intensity and ambition, taking the lead through a Toni Kroos penalty — a turning point seemed close. The obituaries for a fallen nation were being torn up and at half-time, the talk was of a team rediscovering their old selves. But then France rekindled their form of the summer. Antoine Griezmann looped a header beyond Manuel Neuer and Mats Hummels, so impressive until the 80th minute, brought down Blaise Matuidi inside the penalty area and Griezmann converted. So for Germany, these dark times continue. First came their worst World Cup for 80 years. Then the race row that alienated Mesut Ozil and underlined the splinters in German society. On Saturday came the horror of a 3-0 defeat by Holland, when Low (right) compared his side to ‘headless chickens.’ Now, after this defeat, Germany stand on the brink of relegation in the inaugural Nations League. Low’s side were terrific in the first half and could have led 3-0 at the break. Both Timo Werner and Serge Gnabry spurned chances but when Presnel Kimpembe handled in the area, Kroos gave Germany the lead. Low said: ‘It feels different to Saturday as the performance was excellent. The penalty is completely unfair. Hummels does not touch Matuidi.’ Meanwhile, Holland manager Ronald Koeman claims Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has played on despite breaking two ribs last month. The ex-Celtic star missed the 1-1 draw with Belgium last night after scoring in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Germany, but Koeman says he should be fit to play for Liverpool at Huddersfield on Saturday. Koeman said: ‘Virgil has played with two broken ribs. He wanted to play against Germany but he’s back in Liverpool and is ready to play at the weekend.’ Elsewhere, Gibraltar won their second match in succession, following up Saturday’s 1-0 win in Armenia — their first international win — by coming from behind to beat Liechtenstein 2-1 at home.