Germany is out of contention for another international trophy after France handed Joachim Loew's struggling team its latest loss on Tuesday.
The balance of power in European football is swinging even further away from the 2014 World Cup champion since its poor title defense in Russia.
World Cup winner France rallied for a 2-1 win in the UEFA Nations League against Germany, which fell to a fourth loss in its last six competitive games.
Antoine Griezmann struck twice in the second half – a precisely guided header in the 62nd and a penalty in the 80th – to take France's unbeaten streak to 15 games and extend its lead in League A Group 1.
The result means Germany, eliminated in the World Cup group stage in Russia, cannot advance to the Final Four tournament in June for the Nations League top-tier group winners. Germany will be relegated from Nations League A if the Netherlands beats France on Nov. 16.
Should the Netherlands draw 0-0 with France and lose 3-0 in Germany, relegation will be decided on the basis of disciplinary records.
Germany risks an embarrassing relegation to the second-tier League B when it finishes the group stages against the Netherlands on Nov. 19.
Elsewhere in the Nations League, Ukraine won a promotion to League A by beating the Czech Republic 1-0 in Group 1 of the second tier. Ukraine, coached by former star forward Andriy Shevchenko, also improved its chances of qualifying for the 2020 European Championship.
Nations League group winners are assured of a place in the playoffs for the Euros if they do not qualify directly.
UEFA created the Nations League to replace most international friendly games, though Belgium's schedule was free Tuesday to host the neighboring Netherlands in a 1-1 draw in Brussels.
Wales now leads Group 4 in League B after beating Ireland 1-0 in Dublin through Harry Wilson's second-half free kick. Wales hosts Denmark on Nov. 16. In League C, Norway now leads Bulgaria in the four-team Group 4 after beating the Bulgarians 1-0 in Oslo. Slovenia staved off relegation by drawing 1-1 with Cyprus in a game featuring three red cards.
Georgia ensured promotion from League D with its fourth straight win, 3-0 at Latvia, ensuring it will win Group 1. The No. 93-ranked Georgians will also have a chance to advance to Euro 2020. One of the fourth-tier League D teams is sure to reach the Euro through the playoff route for Nations League group winners.
Gibraltar earned just its second-ever competitive victory, beating visiting Liechtenstein 2-1. Gibraltar also closed to within three points of Group 4 leader Macedonia which lost its perfect record in a 4-0 loss to Armenia.
The final rounds of Nations League games will be played between Nov. 15 and Nov. 20. The Euro 2020 qualifying draw, seeded by Nations League standings, will be held Dec. 2 in Dublin.
