Germany secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over old rivals the Netherlands on Monday, while France won in Belgium and Italy continued their recent revival.

Jamie Leweling of Stuttgart scored on his debut to give Germany victory over the Netherlands in Munich and guarantee them one of the top two spots in Group 3 of League A.

It was the eighth meeting of the teams in the last six years but, for the Dutch, &nbsp;there was nothing familiar about Leweling.

The 23-year-old was an addition to the Germany squad for this month's games following an injury to Jamal Musiala.

He was then called off the bench to start the game after an injury to club teammate Deniz Undav in the warm-up.

Leweling found the net after just two minutes only for that effort to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up, but he then blasted in the winner on 64 minutes.

"Jamie had an outstanding debut -- it's not often the Allianz Arena gives you a reception like that -- he did well," said captain Joshua Kimmich.

Germany have 10 points from four games and will definitely take part in the quarter-finals next March.

The Netherlands, who were without the suspended Virgil van Dijk, are level on five points with Hungary.

The Hungarians won 2-0 on Monday away in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with captain Dominik Szoboszlai, of Liverpool, opening the scoring late in the first half and adding a penalty after the break.

Italy remain top of Group A2 after easing to a 4-1 win at home to Israel in Udine.

Mateo Retegui opened the scoring with a penalty shortly before half-time and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo netted twice in the second half.

Davide Frattesi also scored for Italy, with Mohammad Abu Fani pulling one back for Israel.

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<h2>Kolo Muani double downs Belgium</h2>

France are a point behind Italy after they again won in the absence of Kylian Mbappe, a double by Randal Kolo Muani securing a 2-1 victory in Belgium.

Kolo Muani's opener from the penalty spot in the 35th minute at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels was cancelled out by Lois Openda in first-half stoppage time.

But Kolo Muani, who has had a difficult start to the season with his club, then headed in the winner just after the hour mark.

France, who saw Belgium's Youri Tielemans squander an early spot-kick, held on with 10 men after stand-in captain Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off late on.

The result was France's second win in as many games in this international break, despite them being minus skipper Mbappe, who was allowed to sit out the matches following a recent thigh injury.

As Les Bleus took to the field in the Belgian capital, a newspaper report in Sweden emerged claiming that Mbappe was being investigated for rape following a visit to Stockholm last week.

Mbappe claimed in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there was a link with his hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday in his bitter dispute over unpaid wages with his former club Paris Saint-Germain.

"FAKE NEWS !!!!. It's becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance," Mbappe posted.

It remains to be seen if the Real Madrid star will be back for the last Nations League group games next month, when France can secure a place in the quarter-finals, but Kolo Muani staked a claim to keep his place.

"I am happy for him," coach Didier Deschamps told L'Equipe TV.

"Randal is performing very well for us. He is full of confidence and the first game (against Israel) did him a lot of good too."

Elsewhere on Monday, Turkey won 4-2 in Iceland to stay top of Group B4, with all their goals in Reykjavik coming in the final half-hour.

Irfan Can Kahveci, Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter Milan, Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu all scored for Turkey.

With 10 points, they are two ahead of Wales in the race for promotion to League A.

Crag Bellamy's team beat Montenegro 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to a Harry Wilson penalty.

The Czech Republic are top of Group B1 after a 1-1 draw against Ukraine, while Albania defeated Georgia 1-0.

In Group C1, Sweden won 3-0 in Estonia and Slovakia beat Azerbaijan 3-1 away.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over old rivals the Netherlands on Monday, while France won in Belgium and Italy continued their recent revival.

Germany secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over old rivals the Netherlands on Monday, while France won in Belgium and Italy continued their recent revival. Jamie Leweling of Stuttgart scored on his debut to give Germany victory over the Netherlands in Munich and guarantee them one of the top two spots in Group 3 of League A. It was the eighth meeting of the teams in the last six years but, for the Dutch, there was nothing familiar about Leweling. The 23-year-old was an addition to the Germany squad for this month's games following an injury to Jamal Musiala. He was then called off the bench to start the game after an injury to club teammate Deniz Undav in the warm-up. Leweling found the net after just two minutes only for that effort to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up, but he then blasted in the winner on 64 minutes. "Jamie had an outstanding debut -- it's not often the Allianz Arena gives you a reception like that -- he did well," said captain Joshua Kimmich. Germany have 10 points from four games and will definitely take part in the quarter-finals next March. The Netherlands, who were without the suspended Virgil van Dijk, are level on five points with Hungary. The Hungarians won 2-0 on Monday away in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with captain Dominik Szoboszlai, of Liverpool, opening the scoring late in the first half and adding a penalty after the break. Italy remain top of Group A2 after easing to a 4-1 win at home to Israel in Udine. Mateo Retegui opened the scoring with a penalty shortly before half-time and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo netted twice in the second half. Davide Frattesi also scored for Italy, with Mohammad Abu Fani pulling one back for Israel. ALSO READ | PCB issues 'show cause' notice to Fakhar Zaman for questioning decision to drop Babar Azam from England Tests Kolo Muani double downs Belgium France are a point behind Italy after they again won in the absence of Kylian Mbappe, a double by Randal Kolo Muani securing a 2-1 victory in Belgium. Kolo Muani's opener from the penalty spot in the 35th minute at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels was cancelled out by Lois Openda in first-half stoppage time. But Kolo Muani, who has had a difficult start to the season with his club, then headed in the winner just after the hour mark. France, who saw Belgium's Youri Tielemans squander an early spot-kick, held on with 10 men after stand-in captain Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off late on. The result was France's second win in as many games in this international break, despite them being minus skipper Mbappe, who was allowed to sit out the matches following a recent thigh injury. As Les Bleus took to the field in the Belgian capital, a newspaper report in Sweden emerged claiming that Mbappe was being investigated for rape following a visit to Stockholm last week. Mbappe claimed in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there was a link with his hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday in his bitter dispute over unpaid wages with his former club Paris Saint-Germain. "FAKE NEWS !!!!. It's becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance," Mbappe posted. It remains to be seen if the Real Madrid star will be back for the last Nations League group games next month, when France can secure a place in the quarter-finals, but Kolo Muani staked a claim to keep his place. "I am happy for him," coach Didier Deschamps told L'Equipe TV. "Randal is performing very well for us. He is full of confidence and the first game (against Israel) did him a lot of good too." Elsewhere on Monday, Turkey won 4-2 in Iceland to stay top of Group B4, with all their goals in Reykjavik coming in the final half-hour. Irfan Can Kahveci, Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter Milan, Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu all scored for Turkey. With 10 points, they are two ahead of Wales in the race for promotion to League A. Crag Bellamy's team beat Montenegro 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to a Harry Wilson penalty. The Czech Republic are top of Group B1 after a 1-1 draw against Ukraine, while Albania defeated Georgia 1-0. In Group C1, Sweden won 3-0 in Estonia and Slovakia beat Azerbaijan 3-1 away. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nations League: Germany into quarters with Netherlands win; France and Italy victorious

Real Madrid and French national football team captain Kylian Mbappe is subject to investigation in a rape matter from the Sweden police according to media reports in the country. According to reports by Swedish outlets on Tuesday (Oct 15), Mbappe has been accused of rape and sexual assault in the capital Stockholm. However, the 2018 World Cup winner has denied any allegations and denounced it as "fake news".

<h2>Mbappe in trouble over allegations?</h2>

After Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported the incident, it was later revealed by the Expressen outlet that it was the 25-year-old Mbappe who was accused. Currently nursing an injury, Mbappe is not part of the French squad which is involved in the Nations League.

“According to information obtained by Expressen, police are investigating the star who is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault,” the newspaper wrote.

However, when contacted by news agency AFP on the matter, Mbappe’s entourage denied such allegations and had no idea regarding the complaint raised in the Swedish capital. According to the report, the rape was committed in the Stockholm City Center while Mbappe was away from club and France national team duties.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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FAKE NEWS !!!! ❌❌❌ 
Ça en devient tellement prévisible, veille d’audience comme par hasard 😉 <a href="https://t.co/nQN98mtyzR">https://t.co/nQN98mtyzR</a>
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) <a href="https://twitter.com/KMbappe/status/1845840989878980885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-england-west-indies-and-south-africa-womens-t20-world-cup-semifinal-qualification-scenarios-767548">Explained: England, West Indies and South Africa Women's T20 World Cup semifinal qualification scenarios</a>

A prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: "A probe is underway into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm."

In the aftermath of the event, the player has denied the rape allegations and posted on his X handle regarding the same.

"FAKE NEWS !!!!. It's becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance," Mbappe posted.

On the other hand, reports in Spanish media have claimed that Real Madrid called an emergency meeting on Monday (Oct 14) to address the issue. No details of the meeting were revealed but it is thought that the club won’t respond until there is a concrete allegation or action on the player. It is also thought that Mbappe will be available once he is back from his injury concern.

Real Madrid and French national football team captain Kylian Mbappe is subject to investigation in a rape matter from the Sweden police according to media reports in the country.

Real Madrid and French national football team captain Kylian Mbappe is subject to investigation in a rape matter from the Sweden police according to media reports in the country. According to reports by Swedish outlets on Tuesday (Oct 15), Mbappe has been accused of rape and sexual assault in the capital Stockholm. However, the 2018 World Cup winner has denied any allegations and denounced it as "fake news". Mbappe in trouble over allegations? After Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported the incident, it was later revealed by the Expressen outlet that it was the 25-year-old Mbappe who was accused. Currently nursing an injury, Mbappe is not part of the French squad which is involved in the Nations League. “According to information obtained by Expressen, police are investigating the star who is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault,” the newspaper wrote. However, when contacted by news agency AFP on the matter, Mbappe’s entourage denied such allegations and had no idea regarding the complaint raised in the Swedish capital. According to the report, the rape was committed in the Stockholm City Center while Mbappe was away from club and France national team duties. FAKE NEWS !!!! ❌❌❌ Ça en devient tellement prévisible, veille d’audience comme par hasard 😉 https://t.co/nQN98mtyzR — Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) October 14, 2024 × ALSO READ | Explained: England, West Indies and South Africa Women's T20 World Cup semifinal qualification scenarios A prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: "A probe is underway into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm." In the aftermath of the event, the player has denied the rape allegations and posted on his X handle regarding the same. "FAKE NEWS !!!!. It's becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance," Mbappe posted. On the other hand, reports in Spanish media have claimed that Real Madrid called an emergency meeting on Monday (Oct 14) to address the issue. No details of the meeting were revealed but it is thought that the club won’t respond until there is a concrete allegation or action on the player. It is also thought that Mbappe will be available once he is back from his injury concern.

Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappe lands in trouble over rape allegations in Sweden: Report

France will be without injured captain Kylian Mbappe as the star striker continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained last month. Coach Didier Deschamps announced the French squad for the upcoming Nations League on Thursday (Oct 3) that will miss two big names as Antoine Griezmann also announced his decision to retire from international football. Mbappe’s absence could make a huge difference to the 2018 World Champions' bid to win back-to-back Nations League titles.

<h2>Mbappe out of France&nbsp;squad</h2>

"I had an exchange with Kylian. He has a problem which is not serious. I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad," Deschamps told reporters in Paris.

"He had such an impact that we can't play in the same way," Deschamps said of losing Griezmann, who quit aged 33 after winning 137 caps.

"I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player."

France play Israel on Thursday, October 10, in an away fixture moved to Budapest due to the security situation in the Middle East.

Les Bleus, Nations League winners in 2021, will then take on Belgium in Brussels on Monday, October 14.

France have three points after their first two outings in Group A2, which is topped by Italy with six points.

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<h2>France squad</h2>

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United/ENG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Lens)

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea/ENG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/ITA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan/ITA), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani (all Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea/ENG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)

France will be without injured captain Kylian Mbappe as the star striker continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained last month. Coach Didier Deschamps announced the French squad for the upcoming Nations League on Thursday (Oct 3) that will miss two big names as Antoine Griezmann also announced his decision to retire from international football.

France will be without injured captain Kylian Mbappe as the star striker continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained last month. Coach Didier Deschamps announced the French squad for the upcoming Nations League on Thursday (Oct 3) that will miss two big names as Antoine Griezmann also announced his decision to retire from international football. Mbappe’s absence could make a huge difference to the 2018 World Champions' bid to win back-to-back Nations League titles. Mbappe out of France squad "I had an exchange with Kylian. He has a problem which is not serious. I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad," Deschamps told reporters in Paris. "He had such an impact that we can't play in the same way," Deschamps said of losing Griezmann, who quit aged 33 after winning 137 caps. "I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player." France play Israel on Thursday, October 10, in an away fixture moved to Budapest due to the security situation in the Middle East. Les Bleus, Nations League winners in 2021, will then take on Belgium in Brussels on Monday, October 14. France have three points after their first two outings in Group A2, which is topped by Italy with six points. ALSO READ | ED summons former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin in money laundering case France squad Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United/ENG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Lens) Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea/ENG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/ITA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER) Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan/ITA), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain) Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani (all Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea/ENG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)

Injured Kylian Mbappe to miss France's Nations League contests, confirms coach Didier Deschamps

Kylian Mbappe’s reign as the captain of the French National side will kick start in a high-voltage clash as France take on the Netherlands on Friday, March 24. The encounter that will be played at the Stade de France will see a fresh bloodline in the French group as they play in their first competitive match after the World Cup final defeat to Argentina. On the horizon, the Netherlands will look to upset the odds as they try to draw first blood in the Euro qualifiers.

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Didier Deschamps has named Kylian Mbappé as new 𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒍𝒆𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏! ©️ 
Antoine Griezmann is the vice-captain 🇫🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FiersdetreBleus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FiersdetreBleus</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q5ui3hPopT">pic.twitter.com/Q5ui3hPopT</a>
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/FrenchTeam/status/1638202196415197184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Mbappe takes reign of new era</h3>

French legends Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane announced their international retirements after the World Cup leaving a big void in the side. Along with the duo, Karim Benzema also hung his boots for the national side as they made way for the new generation. While Antoine Griezmann was one of the hot choices to replace the departing Lloris as skipper of the side, Mbappe was given the nod by coach Didier Deschamps.

<h3>Missing piece in the puzzle</h3>

The Euro 2024 will be a golden opportunity for the French National team as they try to find the missing piece in the puzzle. Under the reigns of Deschamps, they have won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 while they were runners-up in the 2022 edition. In 2021, France won the Nations League by beating Italy and Spain en route to glory. The Euro remains the only piece missing in the puzzle for coach Deschamps as his side lost 0-1 on home turf in the 2016 edition.

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<h3>Netherlands under Koeman’s tenure</h3>

The Dutch too will be looking to make a case for themselves and will look to end a 36-year drought of continental success. Ronald Koeman will kick start his second reign as the national team coach after he had initially left for Barcelona. He will have the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Sven Botman at his disposal while the likes of Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay will also look to star in what could be a busy evening for both sides.

France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Netherlands predicted lineup (4-3-3): Cillessen; Berghuis, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Wijnaldum, De Roon, Geertruida; Depay, Weghorst, Malen

Kylian Mbappe’s reign as the captain of the French National side will kick start in a high-voltage clash as France take on the Netherlands on Friday, March 24. The encounter that will be played at the Stade de France will see a fresh bloodline in the French group as they play in their first competitive match after the World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Kylian Mbappe’s reign as the captain of the French National side will kick start in a high-voltage clash as France take on the Netherlands on Friday, March 24. The encounter that will be played at the Stade de France will see a fresh bloodline in the French group as they play in their first competitive match after the World Cup final defeat to Argentina. On the horizon, the Netherlands will look to upset the odds as they try to draw first blood in the Euro qualifiers. Didier Deschamps has named Kylian Mbappé as new 𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒍𝒆𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏! ©️ Antoine Griezmann is the vice-captain 🇫🇷 #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/Q5ui3hPopT — French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) March 21, 2023 × Mbappe takes reign of new era French legends Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane announced their international retirements after the World Cup leaving a big void in the side. Along with the duo, Karim Benzema also hung his boots for the national side as they made way for the new generation. While Antoine Griezmann was one of the hot choices to replace the departing Lloris as skipper of the side, Mbappe was given the nod by coach Didier Deschamps. Missing piece in the puzzle The Euro 2024 will be a golden opportunity for the French National team as they try to find the missing piece in the puzzle. Under the reigns of Deschamps, they have won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 while they were runners-up in the 2022 edition. In 2021, France won the Nations League by beating Italy and Spain en route to glory. The Euro remains the only piece missing in the puzzle for coach Deschamps as his side lost 0-1 on home turf in the 2016 edition. ALSO READ | Sachin, Messi waited long for World Cup title, so be patient, India's chance will come, feels Ravi Shastri Netherlands under Koeman’s tenure The Dutch too will be looking to make a case for themselves and will look to end a 36-year drought of continental success. Ronald Koeman will kick start his second reign as the national team coach after he had initially left for Barcelona. He will have the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Sven Botman at his disposal while the likes of Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay will also look to star in what could be a busy evening for both sides. France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud Netherlands predicted lineup (4-3-3): Cillessen; Berghuis, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Wijnaldum, De Roon, Geertruida; Depay, Weghorst, Malen

Euro 2024 qualifier: Kylian Mbappe kick starts captaincy reign as France take on WC QFs Netherlands

Didier Deschamps has not made any decision about his immediate future as the national coach after France lost in the World Cup final against Argentina. "Even if we'd won, I wouldn't reply to that question tonight," said the 54-year-old Frenchman.

Didier Deschamps has not made any decision about his immediate future as the national coach after France lost in the World Cup final against Argentina. "Even if we'd won, I wouldn't reply to that question tonight," said the 54-year-old Frenchman. "Obviously I am very sad. I will have a meeting with the president at the start of the new year and you will know after that." Despite speculations that France played with less-than-100 per cent fit players due to a bout of illness across the camp, Deschamps maintained that the playing XI only had the fit players. "The squad has been facing a tricky situation...maybe that had a physical and psychological impact. But I had no concerns about the players who started. They were 100 per cent fit but we only had four days since the last match so perhaps there is some tiredness." France lost to Argentina 2-4 on penalties after the game ended level after extra time. Though, the game reached the penalties, France, at one point stared at a tame defeat as Argentina ran riot with their aggressive play. Deschamps was tactically outmuscled by his compatriot Lionel Scaloni in the first half of the game, which proved to be decisive as France were left chasing the match throughout. WATCH: Argentine players mock Kylian Mbappe in the dressing room after World Cup victory Scalnoi brought his big match player Ángel Di María in place of Leandro Parades as the only change into the squad. With Ousmane Dembele not tracking back and Aurelien Tchouameni loitering high up the pitch, Scaloni's plan was to overload the left side with Mac Allister and Di Maria teaming up. The ploy worked like a charm as the Argentine midfield sifted such balls to Di Maria with regular precision. The first goal came this way after Di Maria earned the penalty which was slotted easily by Messi. Furthermore, Messi drifted in the right half-spaces and made incisive passes Rabiot was caught central and Mbappe did not press intelligently. It took several tweaks from Deschamps like hooking Giroud and Dembele in the first half and later pressing in a 4-4-2 manner to arrest the slide. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Mesmerising Messi’s Argentina fulfill the dream by beating France on penalties in final Deschamps was chasing a second consecutive World Cup title with the French side. However, after the defeat, rumours of Zinedine Zidane taking his place have started to do the rounds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FIFA World Cup 2022: Didier Deschamps gives an update on his future as France's head coach

World Cup champions France defeated Portugal in Nations League to book a place in next year's finals.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/were-here-to-win-the-league-and-we-have-that-mentality-manchester-uniteds-bruno-fernandes-343273" hreflang="en">'We're here to win the league and we have that mentality': Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes</a>

Chelsea star N'Golo Kante helped France towards 1-0 victory over table-toppers Portugal.&nbsp;

Kante's second international goal came in the 53rd minute. France leads Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal by three points ahead of Tuesday's clash with Sweden in Paris but is guaranteed first place by their superior head-to-head record.

"It's very nice to see them snatch the win. It's deserved. We've fulfilled our objective of finishing first," France coach Didier Deschamps said after the win over a Portuguese side which had won the inaugural Nations League title on home soil in 2019.

Earlier, Mbappe's injury was a major hit to the French side before the Portugal clash. The PSG star was ruled out of Finland clash, where France was beaten 2-0 at home, due to a thigh injury which made his availability for Portugal match uncertain.&nbsp;

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is just seven goals shy of the men’s national team record held by former Iran striker Ali Daei with his 109 goals. He had two best scoring chances once it fell behind.

World Cup champions France defeated Portugal in Nations League to book a place in next year's finals. Also read: 'We're here to win the league and we have that mentality': Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes Chelsea star N'Golo Kante helped France towards 1-0 victory over table-toppers Portugal.

World Cup champions France defeated Portugal in Nations League to book a place in next year's finals. Also read: 'We're here to win the league and we have that mentality': Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes Chelsea star N'Golo Kante helped France towards 1-0 victory over table-toppers Portugal. Kante's second international goal came in the 53rd minute. France leads Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal by three points ahead of Tuesday's clash with Sweden in Paris but is guaranteed first place by their superior head-to-head record. "It's very nice to see them snatch the win. It's deserved. We've fulfilled our objective of finishing first," France coach Didier Deschamps said after the win over a Portuguese side which had won the inaugural Nations League title on home soil in 2019. Earlier, Mbappe's injury was a major hit to the French side before the Portugal clash. The PSG star was ruled out of Finland clash, where France was beaten 2-0 at home, due to a thigh injury which made his availability for Portugal match uncertain. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is just seven goals shy of the men’s national team record held by former Iran striker Ali Daei with his 109 goals. He had two best scoring chances once it fell behind.

Nations League: France beat Portugal 1-0 to book finals spot

France's star midfielder Paul Pogba has slammed the reports suggesting that he&nbsp;quit from international football after French president Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Islam being the source of international terrorism.

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Earlier a report in The Sun said that&nbsp;Pogba had&nbsp;quit the team after the comments by the French leader on Friday.&nbsp;

As per the report, the Manchester United star also resented the French government's move to honour the teacher who published offensive images of the prophet Muhammad. Many Middle Eastern news sources believe this to be the reason behind the decision too.&nbsp;

However, the player denied these speculations and took to Twitter to call it a 'fake news'.

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Pogba was a part of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad. He has scored 10 goals for the national team since his debut in 2013.&nbsp;

The sepeculations came&nbsp;following&nbsp;Macron's comments after&nbsp;a French school teacher, Samuel Paty, was beheaded while he was on his way home from the junior high school where he taught in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 40km northwest of Paris. After the incident, Macron's government decided to honour the teacher with French Legion d'honneur, the highest decoration bestowed by the French state.&nbsp;

According to Macron, the murder was an ‘Islamic terrorist attack’ that took the life of the French teacher.

He later added: "Unity and firmness are the only answers to the monstrosity of Islamist terrorism."

France's star midfielder Paul Pogba has slammed the reports suggesting that he quit from international football after French president Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Islam being the source of international terrorism.

France's star midfielder Paul Pogba has slammed the reports suggesting that he quit from international football after French president Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Islam being the source of international terrorism. Also read: Rashford inspires Leeds players to donate towards free school meals Earlier a report in The Sun said that Pogba had quit the team after the comments by the French leader on Friday. As per the report, the Manchester United star also resented the French government's move to honour the teacher who published offensive images of the prophet Muhammad. Many Middle Eastern news sources believe this to be the reason behind the decision too. However, the player denied these speculations and took to Twitter to call it a 'fake news'. pic.twitter.com/k6caKkUzid — Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) October 26, 2020 × IN PICS| Barca's shocking defeat in El Clasico to Ruhr clash: Results of weekend matches! Pogba was a part of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad. He has scored 10 goals for the national team since his debut in 2013. The sepeculations came following Macron's comments after a French school teacher, Samuel Paty, was beheaded while he was on his way home from the junior high school where he taught in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 40km northwest of Paris. After the incident, Macron's government decided to honour the teacher with French Legion d'honneur, the highest decoration bestowed by the French state. According to Macron, the murder was an ‘Islamic terrorist attack’ that took the life of the French teacher. He later added: "Unity and firmness are the only answers to the monstrosity of Islamist terrorism."

'Fake news': Paul Pogba slams reports claiming he quit national team after Macron's remarks