Muller and Kroos rue missed chances against France

Germany could have bounced back from their World Cup woes by beating eventual winners France but missed late chances in Munich

Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos rued a host of missed chances as Germany were held to a 0-0 draw by France in their Nations League opener.

The previous two World Cup winners largely underwhelmed in Munich but it was the hosts – aiming to bounce back from their Russia 2018 humiliation – who came on strong in the closing stages.

Germany found France debutant Alphonse Areola in inspired form between the posts, though, as Muller erred in key positions and Matthias Ginter was stunningly denied at close quarters.

"I would have liked to win because we had such good scoring chances," the Bayern Munich forward told ZDF.

Real Madrid's Kroos produced a typically assured display in central midfield, completing all of his passes in the first half.

"We controlled the game well, didn't allow any counter-attacks," he added.

"What was disappointing was that, after some great chances, we didn't score."

Joachim Low's side were knocked out in the group stages of the World Cup this summer after shocking defeats against Mexico and South Korea, four years on from lifting the famous trophy in Brazil.

The media backlash in the aftermath of the team's performance has been severe, but they did manage to restore some national pride tonight against the country that managed to win the competition back in July.

Germany are back in action on Sunday when they host Peru in a friendly at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Meanwhile, France will play the second game of their Nations League campaign on the same evening against the Netherlands.