World: Friendlies
FT
0 - 2
(0 - 1)
France
Germany
F. Wirtz (1), K. Havertz (49)
By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Nagelsmann and Völler praise Germany returnee Kroos

Germany bosses Julian Nagelsmann and Rudi Völler heaped praise on the returning Toni Kroos after Saturday's 2-0 win over France.
Toni Kroos.
Toni Kroos.
After announcing his international comeback about a month ago, Toni Kroos made his first appearance for Germany since 2021 in Saturday's 2-0 friendly win over France.

The Real Madrid midfielder made an immediate impact, setting up Florian Wirtz's opener just eight seconds into the game, and put in a convincing performance as both Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Rudi Völler pointed out after the match.

"A big compliment to the team. The first 25 minutes were very, very good. In the second half we improved again. I'm also very, very happy with the way we defended. It was a great game. Toni Kroos was incredible. He set the pace and worked incredibly hard. He gives the other players so much confidence," said Nagelsmann in a post-match interview.

Völler described the match as one of the best Germany has played in recent years.

"This win was well deserved. We were confident in the second half. It was really good. The return of Toni Kroos was important, he did an unbelievable job right from the start," he said.

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