'Emotional Release' As Germany Beat France But Questions Remain

Despite responding to coach Hansi Flick's sacking with a 2-1 victory over neighbours France in Dortmund on Tuesday, pressing questions remain for Euro 2024 hosts Germany. Usually a bitter rivalry between two of Europe's proudest footballing nations with six World Cups and five European Championships between them, France did not bring their usual intensity to Tuesday's friendly. Manager Didier Deschamps made six changes from their last outing, a 2-0 win over Ireland, including benching star striker Kylian Mbappe.

With France trailing 1-0 for most of the second half, Deschamps left Mbappe on the bench as his side chased the game, the manager later revealing "we didn't want to risk him in this game".

The France manager admitted his changes were made with the future in mind, including leading the line with Randal Kolo Muani who "hasn't played for a while, hasn't trained (and) isn't in top form right now".

Calling Flick's caretaker successor Rudi Voeller a "unique and rare coach", Deschamps congratulated his "old friend", telling reporters "I'm not happy we lost, but nevertheless I'm happy for him."

Immediately after the game, interim coach Voeller described the win, Germany's first since March and only the second since the disappointing group stage exit at the Qatar World Cup, as an "emotional release".

"What I liked most was that we brought good energy onto the field", telling the post-match press conference "it's not just about the result, but the style and manner of the performance".

Veteran Germany striker Thomas Mueller, who was named in the starting XI for the first time since Qatar, scored after just four minutes.

The 2014 World Cup winner said the win was an "emotional liberation" for his side, but told German TV "it