AP, Paris :
Germany’s year just keeps getting worse.
France handed the struggling Germans a 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, meaning Die Mannschaft has lost two straight competitive games for the first time since 2000.
It was Germany’s sixth loss overall in 2018, and fourth in its last six competitive games after a group-stage exit at the World Cup.
The latest defeat, which followed a 3-0 humbling against the Netherlands on Saturday, came despite taking an early lead and dominating the first half against the World Cup champion.
Forward Antoine Griezmann helped France rally as he got the better of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer again, scoring both goals for the host at a packed Stade de France.
The result will only increase the pressure on Germany coach Joachim Loew, who guided the team to a World Cup title in 2014, along with three major tournament semifinals, last year’s Confederations Cup win and one other final since 2008.
Midfielder Toni Kroos gave Germany the lead from the penalty spot after 14 minutes and the visitors had chances to go further ahead before Griezmann equalized with a superb header in the 62nd. He showed perfect timing to meet Atletico Madrid teammate Lucas Hernandez’s cross from the left with a glancing header which looped over Neuer’s outstretched hand.
