Florian Wirtz delivered a strong performance in Germany’s 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal, scoring Germany’s goal. Despite the loss, he proved once again why he’s been a key figure for Julian Nagelsmann throughout the tournament. With seven goal contributions in the competition (four goals, three assists), his influence in the final third has been vital for Germany’s attacking play.  

Wirtz’s attacking output is backed by impressive underlying numbers, averaging 2.74 shots per 90 minutes and 1.46 shots on target per 90 in the Nations League. In the absence of Jamal Musiala, he has stepped up as Germany’s primary creative force in advanced areas.  

The French backline will need to be wary, especially after conceding eight shots on target against Spain. Wirtz’s movement and composure in front of goal make him a constant threat. If given even half a chance, he has the quality to punish any defensive lapses.

Manu Kone cut a frustrated figure alongside the rest of his France teammates in their 5-4 defeat to Spain, a scoreline that is slightly flattering to the performance that Didier Deschamps’ side put in, with Spain commanding a 4-0 lead at one point in the match. 

Kone contested 14 duels in the game, resulting in him committing two fouls and picking up a yellow card. He’s received three cautions across his seven appearances in the Nations League this season, while averaging 1.77 fouls committed per 90.

France committed 14 fouls in their defeat to Spain and are averaging 11.9 fouls committed per game across their Nations League campaign as a whole. Kone will be faced up by Florian Wirtz who was fouled twice against Portugal and is averaging 1.10 fouls won per 90 across his seven appearances in the Nations League.

Neither of these backlines can be trusted when looking at the semi-final performances. Germany are missing Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck from the side, while France are without three of their usual starting back four under Didier Deschamps.

Germany have seen BTTS in four of their last five Nations League games while France have seen BTTS in two of their last five. France showed in the second half against Spain that they can carry a real attacking threat with the likes of Mbappe, Doue, Olise and Dembele, not to mention the depth they can call on from the bench.

Germany conceded an xG of 2.92 to Portugal in their semi-final, while France allowed Spain to rack up an xG of 2.91. Look for both teams to score here.

Kimmich has been brilliant during this Nations League campaign, with Julian Nagelsmann choosing to platform him in a more advanced role where he can impact the game in the final third.

He has registered eight goal contributions in the Nations League this season (two goals, six assists) which is more than any other player in the German squad, he only registered one more goal contribution across 33 games for Bayern Munich during the 24/25 Bundesliga season, emphasising how his role changes for his national team.

Kimmich sits top of the Nations League rankings when it comes to assists, he has also created 24 chances across his nine Nations League appearances this season (2.89 per 90). Kimmich is on set pieces for Germany and set up Florian Wirtz for his goal against Portugal.

Rabiot was shown a yellow card in France’s 5-4 defeat to Spain last time out. He was partnered with Kone in the middle of the park and the pair struggled to contain the Spanish midfield three. Rabiot committed two fouls in the game and gave away the penalty, which Yamal converted.

The midfield has long been a problem area for France ever since the era of Ngolo Kante and Paul Pogba ended, there isn’t much balance in that area of the pitch for Didier Deschamps’ side, which is resulting in France being unable to control games. The disorganisation of Rabiot and Kone in the semi-final was a perfect example of this, but Didier Deschamps doesn’t really have anyone he can call upon to fix this issue, which should see Rabiot and Kone line up again together.

They’ll be tasked with dealing with Florian Wirtz who is averaging 1.10 fouls won per 90 in the Nations League this season and was fouled twice in Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

This game is likely going to be decided by which team can outscore the other, with key players absent in both defensive set ups. This was evident in the semi-finals, with both France and Germany conceding an xG in excess of 2.50. 

France certainly have the better attacking set up in terms of quality and depth with Germany also missing players in this area of the pitch. The most notable of these absentees is Jamal Musiala who showed how effective he can be for this German side in the European Championships last summer, Julian Nagelsmann's side are lacking a little in the final third at the moment, which is something that France can take advantage of, even if they aren’t able to keep them out at the other end.