A calamitous own goal from Mats Hummels gave world champions France a 1-0 victory over Germany in their Euro 2020 opener at the Allianz Arena.
Hummels, recalled by Germany boss Joachim Low for the tournament following a two-year absence, sliced Lucas Hernandez’s cross into his own net (20) to give favourites France, runners-up at the last Euros, a winning start in Group F.
The eagerly-anticipated encounter proved an absorbing affair, although a little cagier than many were expecting, with clear scoring opportunities at a premium after the own goal.
Serge Gnabry went closest for Germany, sending a looping volley narrowly over the bar from a Robin Gosens cross, while France, their ranks bolstered by the return of Karim Benzema, who started up front, struck the post through midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
Didier Deschamps’ side also saw two goals ruled out for offside in the second half; a superb curling finish from Kylian Mbappe and a close-range strike from Benzema following a counter-attack.
