I thought the early goal ruined the contest.
Germany sat back for most of the game. Created very very little until these final few moments of the game (shocking miss by Schurrle!). Got the job done but performance was unimpressive. Very fortunate to get that early goal. Could've been in trouble otherwise.
France were poor. They were set up to counter attack. To defend compactly and then hit long balls up to forwards trying to break Germany's high defensive line. The minute they went down a goal, Deschamps should have switched to a more proactive mode of attack. France needed someone who could get on the ball in the final third and link play together. Be incisive passer.
This is where France's team selection really hurt them. Well and the injury to Ribery. Ribery would have been perfect for this situation with Valbuena playing supporting role. And Cabaye and Pogba linking things from deeper. But no Ribery and no replacement on bench as creative passer in final third. Griezmann different type of wide player than Ribery. This is where Nasri would have been so valuable but not selected. Or even someone like Gourcouff or Marvin Martin. Or Grenier. Deschamps needed this type of player but had nobody to call upon. Too defensive minded (counter attacking) team selection.
Anyway, I thought the game was pretty much over after that first goal. Bad goal to concede. You don't want to be losing to headers from that area from set pieces that far from goal. Once that happened, Germany created little and France didn't have the players to break them down. Neither team did much. France had a little better of play but neither team looked like worthy winners. Fairly middling game from then on.
