Thrilling Showdown: Germany Stumbles Against Poland as France Triumphs in Flawless European Qualifying Run
Poland shocks Germany with a historic win, only their second against Germany in 90 years Meanwhile, France dominates in their European Qualifiers, with Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe leading the charge to the top of Group B
Less than a year before hosting the continental tournament, Germany once again faced a setback as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Poland in an international friendly. Meanwhile, France maintained their flawless European Qualifying record against Gibraltar.
The Germans, who required two late goals to salvage a 3-3 draw against Ukraine in their previous match, were on the verge of being caught off guard as Jakub Blaszczykowski pursued a long cross. However, Malick Thiaw executed a well-timed tackle to deny the 37-year-old at the edge of the penalty area.
The German backline proved to be vulnerable as the hosts consistently found openings. Jakub Kaminski attempted a shot from a difficult angle, but it was saved by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, in the 31st minute, Ter Stegen was unable to prevent Kiwior's glancing header from bouncing off the ground and floating into the net, despite getting a touch on the ball.
The Germans intensified their attack in the second half, with Robin Gosens coming close to scoring before Joshua Kimmich's shot hit the crossbar just four minutes into the half.
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Poland players celebrate their victory over Germany - only their second in 90 years
Thiaw, who was making his debut for Germany, came close to equalizing with a superb turn and shot inside the box. However, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny delivered his standout moment of the night by blocking it.
Despite a series of late opportunities, Germany was unable to find the equalizer that would have eased some of the pressure they and coach Hansi Flick will now encounter upon their return.
Since their disappointing first-round World Cup exit in Qatar last year, the Germans have struggled to demonstrate any significant signs of recovery, despite having less than a year to construct a competitive team for their upcoming home Euros. Out of their four matches played since the World Cup, they have only secured a single victory, which was against Peru.
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France's Kylian Mbappe was on the scoresheet against Gibraltar
In European Qualifying, France went top of Group B after they beat Gibraltar 3-0.
France quickly took the lead within three minutes as their top scorer, Oliver Giroud, skillfully headed in Kingsley Coman's cross, marking his 54th goal for the national team.
The AC Milan striker, in addition to his impressive performance, achieved another milestone by becoming France's third-most capped player, joining the ranks of Thierry Henry with 123 appearances.
Adding to the team's lead, Captain Kylian Mbappe confidently converted a penalty just before half-time. Later, in the 78th minute, his precise pass into the six-yard box resulted in an unfortunate own goal by Aymen Mouelhi, extending the scoreline to 3-0.
