Germany score impressive 2-1 away win against France

A depleted Germany, who were missing Schweinsteiger, Klose, Reus, Götze, Schmelzer and Babstuber; put-up a briliant display to beat France 2-1 in an international friendly at the Stade de France in Paris.

France had take a late first half lead of a rare Valbuena header before Germany came back in the second session to turn things around with goals from Thomas Müller and Sami Khedira.

A lot was expected from this match and it was a cracker of a game. Both teams from the start played an attacking game infront of a sellout crowd with Germany having the better chances through Khedira, Özil and Mertesacker.

Thereafter Karim Benzema threatened the Germany goal twice in short succession before a Benzema free-kick in the 44th minute hit the woodwork before Sissiko headed int forward for the 1.67m tall Valbuena to head in a surprise 1-0 half-time lead for the hosts.

Germany was not shocked by the France goal and equalised in the 51st minute when Gündogan intercepted a Capoue pass, squared it to Thomas Müller and he made no mistake to put the ball into the net past Hugo Lloris. Thereafter Germany's attacking intent was not as much visible with France having chances through Valbuena, Ribery and Benzama; but on all occasions Rene Adler was there to deny them.

And then came the winner for Germany, a co-production of Real Madrid team mates Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira as Özil played a blind pass for Khedira, who cooly slotted home. France did try to get the equaliser, but it ended 2-1 for Germany, a historic win then it was their first against the Equipe Tricolore since 1987 and the first in France since 1935.

"We were very good going forward, we often found space and their goalkeeper made several good saves," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "We need to be more efficient in attack. At the highest level you need to cut out some of the mistakes we made. We were punished for some of our mistakes tonight."

Meanwhile Germany coach Joachim Löw said, "It was our first big test of 2013, we played with a lot of rhythm and showed some of the good things that were missing last year."