Mats Hummels own goal helps France beat Germany in Euro 2020 opener

Germany suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in their Euro 2020 group stage opener, with Mats Hummels’ first half own goal proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Germany and France faced off in Munich on Tuesday evening in what was billed as the blockbuster clash of the Euro 2020 group stage. Didier Deschamps’ side began the game on the front foot, with Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe going close early on.

France got their lead in the 20th minute, with Mats Hummels inadvertently turning home Lucas Hernandez’ cross into his own net as he looked to clear the ball. It was an unlucky moment for the Borussia Dortmund defender, who did not have much choice but to try and get something on the ball with Kylian Mbappe lurking just behind him.

Germany responded well to going behind, but did not offer enough of an attacking threat to the resolute France defence in the first half. They came out of the blocks quickly after the break, but remained prone to France’s devastating counter-attacks.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winners had two goals ruled out for offside in the second half. While Hummels made an excellent last ditch tackle inside the box to prevent Mbappe from going through on goal in the 74th minute.

Germany enjoyed nearly two thirds of possession but their lack of creativity in the final third meant that it was a relatively straight-forward win for France.

Germany must now pick themselves back up quickly, with their next game just around the corner. Joachim Löw’s side go up against Portugal on Saturday, and defeat could spell curtains for their Euro 2020 campaign.