Dutch beat Les Bleus to relegate Germany

Germany were relegated from Group A1 of the Nations League after Holland earned a surprise 2-0 win over France last night.

Goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay crowned a dominant display from the Dutch in Rotterdam to end Les Bleus’ 15-game unbeaten run.

Last night’s result leaves Joachim Low’s winless German side rooted to the bottom of the table and heading to League B.

Holland will have the chance to qualify for the finals of the competition ahead of world champions France when they complete the group stage against the Germans on Monday.

Victory in that match would see Ronald Koeman’s men top the group, while a draw would also be sufficient because of their superior goal difference.

The Dutch fully merited their narrow victory at De Kuip and below-par France, without the injured Paul Pogba, would have lost by more had it not been for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Star man Wijnaldum fired home the 44th-minute opener, before Depay dinked in a penalty deep into added time.

Holland, who failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments, have been rejuvenated under former Southampton and Everton coach Koeman.

The hosts controlled the opening period, although France threatened during a rare foray forward when Antoine Griezmann’s header from a Digne cross bounced off the surface before being held by Jasper Cillessen.

Les Bleus, who needed a point to ensure top spot in the group, seemed content to sit back and they were grateful Depay’s 13th-minute volley was straight at Lloris.

Liverpool player Wijnaldum then escaped with just a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor after a clumsy challenge which saw him stand on Griezmann.

Holland deservedly edged ahead a minute before half-time following a mistake by Steven N’Zonzi.

Central midfielder N’Zonzi, playing in the absence of Manchester United’s Pogba, inadvertently helped Frenkie de Jong’s cross onto Ryan Babel and, after his close-range effort was repelled by the legs of Lloris, Wijnaldum reacted quickest to slot in the rebound.

Holland – led by captain Virgil van Dijk – defended resolutely and never looked like surrendering their lead as they beat France for the first time since Euro 2008.

They eventually made the points safe in the fifth minute of added time when Depay cheekily chipped in from the spot after France substitute Moussa Sissoko brought down De Jong in the box.

Ukraine, who have already secured top spot in Group B1, suffered a 4-1 defeat in Slovakia.

Norway and Bulgaria are locked on 10 points ahead of the final Group C3 fixtures after respective 1-1 draws in Slovenia and Cyprus.

Gibraltar took the lead against Armenia but eventually succumbed to a 6-2 loss in Group D4, where FYR Macedonia remain top after defeating Liechtenstein 2-0.