UEFA Nations League
Result: Germany 0-0 France
Date: 6 September 2018
Venue: Allianz Arena
World Champions France settled for a share of the spoils after playing to a 0-0 draw with Germany in their opening UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday.
Didier Descamps handed a debut to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, while Olivier Giroud kept his spot in the attack, despite not starting for Chelsea this season.
The Germans shaded the possession statistics in the opening 20 minutes of the first half, although they only had one effort on target to show for their dominance.
Midway through the second half, Giroud, who failed to score at the World Cup, nearly handed the visitors the lead but his towering header was palmed away by Manuel Neuer.
That proved to be the final clear-cut opening at goal for the remainder of the half as the sides went into the break level at 0-0.
After a slow start to the second half, both coaches opted for changes as Giroud made way for Ousmane Dembele, while Ilkay Gundogan replaced Leon Goretzka for Germany.
Germany nearly took the lead through an unlikely source in the 71st minute as Mats Hummels found himself in the opposition box. However, Areola produced a superb save to deny the defender.
Both sides pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages of the second half, but they were unable to carve out clear cut openings as the encounter ended goalless.
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