France overcome Germany in Nations League

Antoine Griezmann's second-half double has helped France to a 2-1 win over Germany in the Nations League, leaving Joachim Low's side in danger of relegation from League A Group 1.

Ukraine earned promotion to the top tier from Group B1 with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic thanks to Ruslan Malinovskyi's strike and Georgia gained promotion from League D.

Germany took a 12th-minute lead from the penalty spot after a sliding Presnel Kimpembe was adjudged to have handled Leroy Sane's cross.

Although captain Hugo Lloris got a hand to Toni Kroos's effort, the Tottenham goalkeeper could not keep it out.

France drew level in the 62nd minute when Griezmann found the top corner with a brilliant angled header from Atletico Madrid teammate Lucas Hernandez's cross.

Les Bleus were awarded a contentious penalty of their own when Mats Hummels slid in on Blaise Matuidi in the area, making minimal contact if any, and Griezmann sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way from the spot to put the world champions in a commanding position at the top of the table.

"This is the difference between a team with a lot of confidence and a team like Germany which lacks some confidence and is maybe not as efficient," France coach Didier Deschamps told reporters.

France are on seven points with the Netherlands, who they face next month, on three points and Germany on one, with one game to play.

The Germans have lost six games in a calendar year for the first time.

"I'm disappointed with the result. We were absolutely on a par with the world champions, and could have scored a second goal," Low said.

"France's individual class is incredible, they scored two goals out of virtually nothing."

Andriy Shevchenko's Ukraine maintained their 100 per cent record with a 1-0 defeat of the Czech Republic, courtesy of Malinovskyi's long-range curling effort.

Wales moved top of Group B4 courtesy of a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, with Harry Wilson's fine free-kick dividing the sides.

"To come to this tough place and perform under pressure, they should be really pleased with themselves," Wales coach Ryan Giggs said.

Norway beat Bulgaria 1-0 to pull level on nine points with their opponents at the top of Group C3, while 10-man Slovenia saved themselves from relegation with an equaliser to draw 1-1 with nine-man Cyprus in a tempestuous Ljubljana clash.

Georgia were promoted with their fourth win from as many Group D1 games, a thumping 3-0 triumph at Latvia, who are joint bottom with Andorra, thrashed 4-0 by second-placed Kazakhstan.

Armenia caused a shock by thrashing Group D4 leaders Macedonia 4-0, while Gibraltar backed up their first competitive win with a 2-1 victory against Liechtenstein, who are bottom on three points.

Gibraltar and Armenia are level on six with Macedonia top on nine with two matches each to play.