France secure 1-0 win over Germany to start successful into Euro 2020

MUNICH -- Germany suffered their first ever Euro opener defeat as FIFA world champions France benefitted on Mats Hummels' own goal to ensure a perfect start into Group F at Football Arena Munich on Tuesday.

The hosts assumed control from the kick-off while France set back and lurked for counterattacks.

Germany wasn't able to pose a lot of danger but still Hummels headed over the target following a set piece in the 3rd minute.

France took over as the game clock ticked as Paul Pogba nodded over the crossbar from very close range to produce the first clear-cut chance of the match in the 16th minute.

The visitors turned up as Kylian Mbappe unleashed a low effort from the edge of the box to force Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into action moments later.

France's pressure paid off with 20 minutes played when Lucas Hernandez collected Paul Pogba's cross inside the box before drilling in a square pass, which Hummels cleared past Neuer into the wrong goal.

Germany responded well and showed will but still that they lacked in accuracy as neither Thomas Muller nor Toni Kroos was able to level the scores before the half time.

After the restart, France took the reins and should have made it two, but Adrien Rabiot rattled only the woodwork with only Neuer to beat in the 52nd minute.

Two minutes later Germany reaped their first promising chance of the game after Serge Gnabry missed the top left corner from inside the box.

With 66 minutes gone, France thought they had doubled their lead but Mbappe's single effort into the far post bottom corner against three Germany defenders was ruled offside.

France was a menace on fast breaks and caught Germany flat footed in the closing stages as Karim Benzema thought he had finished the job but for all that his goal was also ruled offside.

"We played a great game against a strong team. We weren't far away from scoring the second goal that would have made us safe, but we didn't suffer that much in the second half. It was a strong match with quality and talent," France head coach Didier Deschamps said.

"It was an intense match by both teams. We tried everything and fought back. However, an own goal made the difference today. I cannot blame my team. We lacked a bit in penetration maybe," Germany head coach Joachim Low said.

With the result, Portugal top Group F followed by France, who are equal on points, Germany and Hungary. On Saturday, Hungary see France whereas leaders Portugal face Germany.