France concedes goals to Netherlands

The Netherlands, by paying the champions of the French world Friday in Rotterdam (2-0), do not need more, to reach the final stages of the League of Nations, than a draw Monday against Germany , now officially relegated to second division.

With a decimated defense, and three changes from the eleven world champion, the Blues have struggled against a promising Dutch team already impressive against the Germans (3-0).

A little lost, the French rearguard logically conceded a goal late in the first period, scored by Georginio Wijnaldum (44th), and did not show much in the second half when reacting.

Memphis Depay added a penalty kick (90 + 5) to inflict the world champions their first defeat since their title in Moscow. The last was in March, during a friendly match against Colombia (2-3), at the Stade de France.

With seven points, the French remain at the top of Group 1, but the Dutch (6 pts) have one last game to play in Germany on Monday: only one point will be enough to qualify for the Final Four in June 2019 because of their advantage especially vis-à-vis the French (victory of the Blues 2-1 in the first leg).

The elimination of Germany (1 pt) is a big blow for the Mannschaft and coach Joachim Löw, eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in Russia.

In contrast, Denmark has validated his promotion to the first division by overcoming Wales (2-1). The Danes join the Ukrainians, the Russians and the Bosnians among the promoted.

To note, the Armenian cardboard in Gibraltar (6-2). Armenia washes the goalless affair (home defeat 1-0, for the first victory in Gibraltar history in official competition), and still believes in first place in the group, currently held by the Fruit salad.

In the lower divisions, the first group place is very interesting because in addition to offering a promotion in upper division, it leaves him a hope to win one of four tickets for the Euro-2020 distributed to countries not qualified via the playoffs.

(AFP)