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Germany and France played out a pulsating 0-0 draw in their opening fixture held at the Allianz Arena. France, back from their successful campaign in Russia, fielded the same eleven from the final against Croatia with Alphonse Areola replacing Hugo Lloris.
In what was a conservative first half, Germany had the first chance in the 17th minute as Timo Werner's attempt was smartly gathered by Alphonse Areola. Germany enjoyed most of the possession but found it hard to breach a well organised French side, who gathered momentum towards the end of the first half.
The second half saw France create their first real chance of the night, four minutes after the hour mark when Griezmann called Neuer into action. Germany on the other hand carved out chances of their own with the likes of Werner, Reus, Ginter and Hummels being denied by Areola.
Here is a look at the hits and flops from the draw at the Allianz Arena.
#1 Hit: Alphonse Areola
Les Blues were without their captain and number one, Hugo Lloris, who was replaced by Paris Saint Germain's Alphonse Areola.
Up against a formidable opposition in Germany, Areola put in a Man of the Match performance on his debut. He was unfazed by the proposition of facing Die Mannschaft in his first start and looked confident during the course of the game.
Areola made some extraordinary saves in the second half which prevented Germany from securing their first win in the UEFA Nations League. The Paris Saint Germain keeper was called into action in the 64th minute when he smartly parried away Reus' curling effort.
The youngster was in the thick of things in the 72nd minute as he got down low to stop Mats Hummels' right-footed drive. Areola exhibited great awareness after three minutes as he tipped over Muller's attempted cross and produced an outstanding reflex save from Ginter's header from the ensuing corner.
Overall it was a commanding display from Areola who was at his best in his debut appearance for the national side.
#2 Flop: Antonio Rudiger
Joachim Loew fielded a back four comprising of Matthias Ginter, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger, who was fielded at Left Back.
Rudiger, who usually plays as a Centre Back, was deployed at the left hand side of the German defence and looked defensively suspect during the course of the game. The defender from Chelsea was unconvincing when coming up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
He failed to accurately read the opponents plan, lost possession and was caught out of position on numerous occasions during the game.
Rudiger did not offer much while going forward and his shoddy defensive work went unpunished due to tame finishing from France and solid defensive cover provided by Mats Hummels.
#3 Hit: Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels showed his class in an impressive defensive display against a dangerous French attack of Griezmann, Mbappe and Giroud.
Along with Boateng, Hummels looked composed throughout the game and stationed himself at the right positions to prevent the likes of Giroud and Griezmann from causing damage.
The former Dortmund man was comfortable with the ball at his feet and exhibited some impressive passing ability which kept Germany's attacking flow intact. He also had a chance to give his side the lead in the 72nd minute after his right footed drive was outstandingly saved by Areola.
Hummels would be slightly disappointed to not get on the scoresheet, but in general, he put in a performance which oozed class and resulted in him earning a well deserved clean sheet.
#4 Flop: Marco Reus
Marco Reus looked short of creativity in subdued display against France during Germany's opening fixture of the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League.
The Borussia Dortmund winger operated as a Centre Forward during the game and found life difficult coming up against a well organised Centre Back duo of Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane.
Reus often found himself isolated in the middle, did not find the requisite space to thread an incisive pass and was well marshalled by the French defence.
Despite having limited opportunities against a resolute French side, Reus had a glorious opportunity to draw first blood in the second half after his curling effort from outside the box was well saved by Alphonse Areola.
#5 Hit: Timo Werner
Werner was deployed as a left winger against France, with Marco Reus taking up the central position. The RB Leipzig front man was impressive in his display against the World Champions.
Deployed on the left hand side of the German attack, Werner used his turn of pace, flair to great effect and got the better of Pavard on several occasions during the game.
Werner linked up well along with Muller and Goretzka and put in some teasing crosses in the opposition penalty box. He had some good chances during the game, the first of which came in the 17th minute when he skipped past Benjamin Pavard's challenge, only to see his shot directed straight to Alphonse Areola.
In general, Werner had an outstanding game against France and this performance would certainly boost his morale after a disappointing World cup.
