Loew is defiant despite late loss
BETTER: MANAGER SAYS GERMANY MUCH IMPROVED
Insists Hummels ‘didn’t touch Matuidi’ and that penalty was ‘totally unjust’. Paris
Adefiant Joachim Loew praised Germany’s display in Tuesday’s 2-1 Uefa Nations League defeat by world champions France as he lamented “a totally unjust” penalty awarded to the hosts.
Antoine Griezmann hit a pair of second-half goals, including the winner from the spot, as France recovered from falling behind to a Toni Kroos penalty and inflicted a sixth defeat on Germany in their past 10 matches.
The result eliminated Germany from Nations League title contention and left them needing to beat the Netherlands in their final group match on November 19 if they are to avoid relegation from the top tier.
However, Loew insisted he was “very pleased” with the performance as Germany were much improved compared to the team that lost 3-0 against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
“... the defeat is different to Saturday’s,” he said. “I think we were on an even level with probably the best team in the world.”
A first defeat to the neighbouring Dutch in 16 years prompted Loew to make five changes for the trip to Paris, as he injected additional pace into the attack with the inclusions of Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry.
The Germans led after a sliding Presnel Kimpembe handled a Sane cross, but Loew’s youthful frontline was unable to capitalise on further opportunities.
“We lacked a bit of intelligence and sangfroid. If we’d been able to score a second we could have played in a calmer manner and won the match.”
Loew was particularly unhappy with referee Milorad Mazic’s decision to award France a spotkick after Blaise Matuidi went to ground after a tangle with Mats Hummels.
“The penalty was totally unjust,” he said. “I’ve watched it back on the replay. Mats didn’t touch Matuidi. He stepped on Mats’ foot and then slipped.” –