And people said the UEFA Nations League wasn’t competitive
France and Germany played out an even 0-0 in the first half at the Allianz Arena this evening. Germany, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup, opted to play Matthias Ginter and Antonio Rudiger in the full-back positions.
This meant that Rüdiger found himself coming up against France’s Benjamin Pavard, playing at right-back for the world champions, on more than one occasion.
In one clash between the two players, Pavard fell to the ground making a challenge, while Rüdiger stayed on his feet.
With no apparent malicious intent, Rüdiger ended up scraping his studs down Pavard’s neck, leaving some scars that Wolverine would have been proud of.
It makes for quite gruesome viewing, but it needs to be seen to be believed.
https://twitter.com/OptusSport/status/1037775975449124864
🤕 Benjamin Pavard after taking Antonio Rudiger's boot to the neck…
That'll hurt tomorrow! #GERFRA pic.twitter.com/YcJU2yrdLC
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) September 6, 2018
Benjamin Pavard 😱 #GERFRA pic.twitter.com/f5aRRXeoIS
— Bayern Galaxy (@BayernGaIaxy) September 6, 2018
Pavard has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich after his very successful World Cup, in which he scored the best goal of the tournament.