Loew defiant despite record defeat

A defiant Joachim Loew praised Germany's display in Tuesday's 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat by world champions France as he lamented "a totally unjust penalty" awarded to the hosts.

Antoine Griezmann hit a pair of second-half goals, including the winner from the spot, as France recovered from falling behind to a Toni Kroos penalty to inflict a sixth defeat on Germany in their past 10 matches.

The result eliminated Germany from Nations League title contention, and left them needing to beat the Netherlands in their final group match on November 19 if they are to avoid relegation from the top tier.

However, Loew insisted he was "very pleased" with the performance as Germany were much improved compared to the team that lost 3-0 against the Netherlands.

"I'm disappointed with the result, although I must say the defeat is different to Saturday's," said Loew. "Not because of the result but because of the performance. I'm very pleased with the performance.

"I think we were on an even level with what is probably the best team in the world. But France has a lot of individual quality, and if you're not careful you'll get punished."

A first defeat to the Dutch in 16 years prompted Loew to make five changes and the Germans deservedly led through a Kroos penalty after Presnel Kimpembe handled a Sane cross. But Loew's youthful frontline was unable to capitalise on further opportunities.

"We lacked a bit of intelligence. If we'd been able to score a second we could have won the match."

Loew was particularly unhappy with the referee's decision to award France the decisive spot-kick after Blaise Matuidi went to ground after a tangle with Mats Hummels.

"The penalty was totally unjust," said Loew. "I've watched it back on the replay. Mats didn't touch Matuidi. He stepped on Mats' foot and then slipped."

Captain Neuer meanwhile said that the team were 'bitter and disappointed' with the result. "Jogi had a very clear plan and we saw it tonight. On the merits we have less to blame ourselves than against Netherlands," Neuer said. "We started with audacity, we are bitter and disappointed to have lost, especially after leading and having controlled the game well."