This briefing summarises the key events, themes, and significant moments from the 2025 football match between Germany and France in Stuttgart, highlighting player performances, critical incidents, and the eventual outcome.

Match Context and Atmosphere:

The match took place in Stuttgart, with the stadium described as “quite a sight inside Stuttgart ahead of kickoff” due to the waving German flags. France arrived less than 72 hours after “collapsing against Spain” in the UEFA Nations League, indicating a need for a strong performance to bounce back. The atmosphere was charged, with the German team feeling the occasion, as evidenced by the commentary: “German flow at the moment is good, they are feeling this occasion.”

Key Players and Performances:

• Kylian Mbappé (France): The skipper was deemed “fit enough” to play despite suggestions of rest. He had a significant impact on the game, scoring France’s first goal (“what a way to mark a half century of goals for France”) and later their second, which effectively sealed the win (“it’s Mbappé it’s Elise, and he walks in France’s second goal”). Despite a slip at a “critical moment,” his influence was undeniable.
• Ademy (Germany): A prominent German attacker who had several key moments. He had a “massive chance” early on, and a powerful strike on goal that “I don’t think [the French goalkeeper] had stood a chance of stopping it.” He was also central to Germany being awarded a penalty (“was there a shove, yes there is, it’s a penalty Germany”).
• Florian Wirtz (Germany): Had “the best chance of the game” for Germany, hitting the post.
• Dennis Undav (Germany): Briefly thought to have scored for Germany, leading to “Stogard rises for one of its own,” showcasing his “quite something” scoring record of “four goals in six caps.” However, this goal was disallowed.
• Mike Maignan (France — Goalkeeper): Made a crucial save against Ademy’s powerful shot early in the game.
• Marc-André ter Stegen (Germany — Goalkeeper): Made an “oh what a save” from Mbappé, demonstrating a quick reaction time: “No goalkeeper could have got across there any quicker than Tostan did.”
• Jude Bellingham (Germany): Though not explicitly detailed, the commentary mentions him as a potential “target player” who is “also very good with his feet.”
• Aurélien Tchouaméni (France): Described as “making a nuisance of himself in both halves” and “orchestrating quite a lot.”
• Theo Hernandez (France): Involved in a critical touch that prevented a German shot from reaching the goal.
• Rabiot (France): Involved in the disallowed German goal, with “no foul on Rabio” being a key factor in the decision.

Major Incidents and Controversies:

• German Penalty Awarded: Ademy was pulled down in the box, leading to a penalty call. It took “a very long time, Ivan Kuslak, to make that call,” with the VAR, Michael Fabri, advising the Slovakian official.
• German Goal Disallowed: Dennis Undav scored, but the goal was “disallowed the goal” for the second time, presumably due to a foul on Rabio, despite “no foul on Rabio” being initially stated by the commentator. This was a significant turning point, dampening the German crowd’s excitement.
• French Goal by Mbappé: Mbappé scored the first goal for France, which was initially scrutinised by the commentator who felt “there was quite a clear use of the hands there as the ball bounced up.” However, the goal stood, marking his “half century of goals for France.”
• Florian Wirtz Hits Post: A major missed opportunity for Germany, with Wirtz hitting the woodwork.

Match Flow and Momentum:

• Early German Pressure: Germany started strongly, with “German flow at the moment is good” and “massive chance[s]” for Füllkrug and Ademy.
• French Resilience and Breakthrough: Despite early pressure, France managed to weather the storm and Mbappé scored just before half-time, stunning the home crowd: “who stun Stogard right on Halime.”
• Second Half German Push and Disallowed Goal: Germany began the second half with “the same purpose,” and Dennis Undav’s disallowed goal was a crushing blow to their momentum.
• French Control and Sealing the Win: As the second half progressed, France gained control, with “Germany are panicking” and “the game is going to be taken away from them completely” before Mbappé scored their second goal, effectively ending the contest.

Officials:

• Referee: Ivan Kruzak (Slovakia)
• VAR: Michael Fabri (Italy)

Outcome:

France defeated Germany 2–0. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, had a “huge smile on his face,” indicating his satisfaction with the team’s performance and their ability to “bounce back from their difficult night against Spain.” The result was likely “enough for Leblau.”