Antoine Griezmann has revealed how “a quiet word” at half-time inspired the world champions to pull off a 2-1 comeback win over Germany in Tuesday night’s Nations League clash.
Under-pressure Germany boss Joachim Low called for more after Die Mannschaft’s bleak 3-0 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday and was rewarded as a bright first-half display saw them lead at the break through Toni Kroos’ early penalty.
France, though, improved after the break and Griezmann’s glancing header levelled the match on 62 minutes, before the Atletico Madrid hitman grabbed the winner with 10 minutes to go from the penalty spot.
“It was a tough first half. We were knocked off our stride a bit by them playing three at the back,” Griezmann told the UEFA website.
“We had to talk and change two or three things tactically. After that it improved.”
“We had a quiet word among ourselves at half-time. We became world champions by working hard for each other.”
France coach Didier Deschamps agreed: “There was a reaction and we upped the intensity and tempo. The Germans played with real intensity in the first half.
“I modified my tactics after 25-30 minutes and found a better balance that gave more freedom to my forwards, especially Kylian (Mbappe) and Antoine (Griezmann) on the wings.
“It’s a good thing in terms of our aim of finishing top of the group, but we were up against a very good German side today.”
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