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Germany 2 France 2: Lars Stindl grabs injury-time leveller for world champs after Alexandre Lacazette’s double rewards French flair

France's thrilling three-man attack Lacazette, Anthony Martial and Kylian Mbappe shine - but Timo Werner and Stindl help Germany twice come from behind

LARS STINDL'S stunning stoppage-time leveller saved the world champions after two-goal Alexandre Lacazette led France's thrilling three-man attack.

Arsenal striker Lacazette twice put the visitors in front but Timo Werner and Stindl earned Germany a draw in this lively friendly.

Alexandre Lacazette enjoys his first-half opener for France away to Germany
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Alexandre Lacazette tormented Germany and bagged two goalsCredit: Getty - Contributor

France were superior before the break in both chances and passing, especially through the pace of Manchester United striker Anthony Martial and Paris Saint-Germain flier Kylian Mbappe.

But it was Lacazette who bagged their superb 33rd minute breakthrough.

Lucas Digne found Martial, who evaded Mats Hummels with his first touch and unselfishly fed Lacazette with his second. giving the ex-Lyon star a simple finish from two yards.

Germany, though, improved noticeably after the interval.

Lars Stindl stays cool to stroke a late leveller for Germany
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Lars Stindl stays cool to stroke a late leveller for GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
Borussia Monnchengladbach frontman Lars Stindl hails his dramatic goal
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Borussia Monnchengladbach frontman Lars Stindl hails his dramatic goalCredit: EPA

And on 56 minutes Gunners midfielder Mesut Ozil took the ball out of defence before eventually sliding a perfect pass for RB Leipzig striker Werner to slot it through keeper Steve Mandanda's legs.

The hosts briefly looked in control, Toni Kroos hitting the bar on 70 minutes.

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But within 60 seconds Niklas Süle's dozy defending left a gap for Lacazette to surge into.

And when Mbappe found the busy frontrunner with a sublime pass he slotted it home clinically.

Blaise Matuidi was a marauding menace all night for the French.

And Martial should have sealed victory, surging into the box but seeing keeper Kevin Trapp thwart his shot with a fine save.

Alexandre Lacazette celebrates the second goal for himself and France during a lively friendly
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Alexandre Lacazette celebrates the second goal for himself and France during a stirring friendlyCredit: REUTERS
Frontman Timo Werner wheels away to celebrate his leveller for Germany
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Frontman Timo Werner wheels away to celebrate his leveller for GermanyCredit: Getty - Contributor
Timo Werner sees his shot beat Steve Mandanda to make it 1-1
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Timo Werner sees his shot beat Steve Mandanda to make it 1-1Credit: Getty - Contributor
Alexandre Lacazette tucks away his breakthrough goal at world champions Germany
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Alexandre Lacazette tucks away his breakthrough goal at world champions GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press

Germany seemed to have run out of ideas and momentum.

But three minutes into injury time Mario Gotze conjured a delightful flicked pass for Borussia Monchengladbach hitman Stindl to steer in an excellent finish.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Trapp, Can (Stindl 83), Hummels (Rudiger 46), Sule, Plattenhardt, Khedira (Rudy 75), Kroos, Gundogan (Gotze 65), Ozil, Draxler, Werner (Wagner 85). Booked: Wagner. Subs not used: Leno, Ginter, Kimmich, Brandt, Sane, Halstenberg, ter Stegen.

France (4-3-3): Mandanda, Jallet (Pavard 64), Varane, Umtiti, Digne (Kurzawa 82), Tolisso, Rabiot, Matuidi (Nzonzi 64), Mbappe, Lacazette (Griezmann 76), Martial. Subs not used: Areola, Sissoko, Fekir, Coman, Thauvin, Koscielny, Kimpembe, Costil.

French football fans make themselves seen and heard in Germany ahead of friendly
Anthony Martial slips over the pass for Alexandre Lacazette to put France in front
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Anthony Martial slips over the pass for Alexandre Lacazette to put France in frontCredit: Getty - Contributor
Kylian Mbappe struggles to keep possession from Germany midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira
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Kylian Mbappe struggles to keep possession from Germany midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami KhediraCredit: REUTERS
Blaise Matuidi goes head to head with Germany midfielder IIkay Gundogan 
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Blaise Matuidi goes head to head with Germany midfielder IIkay GundoganCredit: Getty - Contributor
Germany's Liverpool midfielder Emre Can tussles with France's PSG striker Kylian Mbappe
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Germany's Liverpool midfielder Emre Can tussles with France's PSG striker Kylian MbappeCredit: EPA
France's Adrien Rabiot fends off Corentin Tolisso during the first half
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France's Adrien Rabiot fends off Corentin Tolisso during the first halfCredit: REUTERS

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