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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Germany relegated in Uefa Nations League as Netherlands shock France

Low under mounting pressure as Germany continue to flounder. (Picture: Bongarts/Getty Images)

Germany have been relegated from the top division of the Uefa Nations League after Netherlands sealed a surprised world champions France on Friday night.

Georginio Wijnaldum scored just before half-time and Memphis Depay converted an audacious extra-time penalty as Netherlands - who did not qualify for the World Cup - beat France 2-0 on Friday.

The margin of victory flattered Didier Deschamps' injury-hit team, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris making a string of good saves in the second half to deny Denzel Dumfries, Depay, and Frenkie de Jong.

The result left the Dutch one point behind France in League A, Group 1 ahead of Netherlands' match against Germany in Gelsenkirchen on Monday, and also relegated Joachim Low's 2014 World Cup winners to League B of the competition.

(REUTERS)

France looked outclassed for much of the match. The team tried to play a patient waiting game, sitting back and hoping to launch 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe. But led by midfielder Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch not only dominated possession, but also shut down the World Cup star.

Wijnaldum broke the deadlock just a minute before half-time with his 10th international goal in his 52nd appearance for the Netherlands.

Depay doubled the lead with a "Panenka" penalty in stoppage time, chipping the ball over Lloris to complete a memorable victory.

Netherlands must wish they could play every match at Feyenoord's stadium - the victory extended the Dutch run of wins at De Kuip Stadium to 15.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press.

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