Germany Defeats USA 2-1 in Friendly; Sané Emerges as World Cup Hope
Germany defeated the United States 2-1 in an international football friendly, with Leroy Sané scoring the winning goal. Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised Sané’s performance and attitude, calling him a key figure for the upcoming World Cup. The match also saw an injury to young player Lennart Karl, which opened a starting spot for Sané. Nagelsmann highlighted team unity and Sané’s improved integration, boosting Germany’s World Cup confidence.
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DFB Star Jamie Leweling Criticizes Reporter's Question, Then Apologizes
At a DFB press conference in Winston-Salem during the 2026 World Cup, German national team player Jamie Leweling (25) reacted sharply to a question from FAZ reporter Tobias Rabe about positional rival Leroy Sané. Leweling called it 'the worst question of all,' accusing the media of targeting players to write negative stories. He then defended Sané, calling him a teammate to be valued, not badmouthed. After the press conference, Leweling grabbed the microphone again to apologize for his outburst. The incident highlights tensions around Sané's form and potential lineup changes ahead of Germany's final group match against Ecuador. Leweling, a Stuttgart dribbler, is a candidate to replace Sané in the starting eleven.
BILD - SportNagelsmann Explains Leroy Sané's Substitution: 'Not Because of Performance'
After Germany's 2-1 World Cup win over Ivory Coast, coach Julian Nagelsmann addressed the substitution of winger Leroy Sané at the 60-minute mark during a post-match interview. Nagelsmann emphasized the decision was tactical, not due to Sané's performance, citing a need for 'freshness, dynamism, and physicality' from substitute Jamie Leweling. He specifically praised Sané's defensive diligence, noting he tracked back to support Joshua Kimmich. The substitution brought on match-winner Deniz Undav and assist provider Nadiem Amiri. This follows Sané's earlier criticism for his performance in Germany's opening match against Curaçao.
BILD - SportGündogan defends Sané against fan criticism ahead of World Cup match
Former German national team captain Ilkay Gündogan has defended teammate Leroy Sané against fan criticism in his Spiegel column. Sané was criticized for his performance in Germany's opening World Cup group match against Curaçao (7-1), with some fans calling for him to be dropped. Gündogan argues that people do not understand Sané and are doing him an injustice, noting that Sané needs room for mistakes to thrive and that criticism affects his mental freedom. Both players currently play for Galatasaray, having previously played together at Manchester City from 2016 to 2020, winning two Premier League titles. Germany faces Ivory Coast in its second group match tonight.
BILD - SportBILD Users Drop Sané from Germany Starting Lineup for Ivory Coast Match
Ahead of Germany's second 2026 World Cup group match against Ivory Coast, a BILD fan poll with 5,893 votes revealed that 85% of users prefer Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling over Leroy Sané on the right wing. Sané drew criticism for his performance in the 7-1 win over Curacao, though DFB captain Joshua Kimmich defended him. Coach Julian Nagelsmann appears likely to keep Sané in the starting lineup based on training formations. A win against Ivory Coast would secure Germany's place in the round of 32, potentially allowing rotation in the final group game.
BILD - SportNagelsmann Defends Leroy Sané After Critics Demand Bench Spot
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has publicly defended winger Leroy Sané against growing criticism following Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao in their 2026 World Cup opener. Critics, citing a modest performance (BILD grade 3), called for Sané to be benched for the second group match against Ivory Coast. Nagelsmann dismissed the criticism as disproportionate, stating that Sané showed diligence and movement often falsely denied him by a 'psychological phenomenon' of negative characterization. He confirmed Sané will start again on the right wing, emphasizing that the team's confidence in him is key to his performance. In a clear sign of support, Nagelsmann sent Sané, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz for a special 15-minute combination drill in Friday's final training session. The coach indicated no changes are planned in the attack, with the same lineup expected to face Ivory Coast.
BILD - SportLeroy Sané Tops World Cup Sprint Distance Stat After Matchday One
According to sports data analysis blog 'Gradient', Germany winger Leroy Sané covered nearly 0.6 kilometers in sprints during the first matchday of the 2026 World Cup, more than any other player. This surpasses stars like Erling Haaland and Nicolas Jackson, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo covered significantly less. Sané had faced criticism in Germany for missed chances, but DFB captain Joshua Kimmich praised his defensive contributions, noting he always sprinted back. National coach Julian Nagelsmann further defended Sané, saying the criticism was unjustified and citing a psychological phenomenon where Sané is unfairly judged. Nagelsmann confirmed Sané is expected to start against Ivory Coast, expressing confidence in the winger's ability.
BILD - SportNagelsmann Defends Sane Ahead of Germany's World Cup Clash with Ivory Coast
German national coach Julian Nagelsmann fiercely defended winger Leroy Sané from media criticism following Germany's World Cup debut, stating the criticism was unjustified and that it bothers him more than the player. Speaking ahead of Germany's second group match against Ivory Coast, Nagelsmann warned of the physicality, speed, and attacking threat posed by the African team. He acknowledged tactical uncertainty regarding Ivory Coast's formation and praised Nicolas Pépé's performance. Defender Jonathan Tah expressed that the match holds special emotional significance due to his Ivorian father. Additionally, Nagelsmann and Tah highlighted the potential milestone for 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who could set a record for most World Cup appearances by a goalkeeper (21) if he plays. Nagelsmann also discussed the limited tactical utility of hydration breaks and stressed that winning is the best way to maintain team energy.
FútbolNagelsmann Defends Sané Ahead of World Cup Clash Against Ivory Coast
On the eve of Germany's second World Cup group match against Ivory Coast, national coach Julian Nagelsmann defended offensive star Leroy Sané against recent criticism. Despite Germany's 7-1 opening win over Curaçao, Sané's performance was rated poorly by some media. Nagelsmann countered that the criticism was disproportionate, praising Sané's training effort and tactical discipline. Captain Joshua Kimmich also publicly backed his teammate. A win against Ivory Coast would secure Germany's first World Cup knockout stage appearance since winning the title in 2014. The press conference took a lighter turn when a Chinese journalist asked about snakes in the team quarters; Nagelsmann joked there was 'an anaconda,' prompting laughter. Nagelsmann left the starting lineup uncertain, noting no obvious reason to change but saying he would decide after an overnight assessment.
Nachrichten - WELTSané: Germany is having fun playing up front, no pressure from not scoring against Curaçao
After Germany's 7-1 victory over Curaçao in the first round of the World Cup, Leroy Sané gave an exclusive interview to Bild. He stated that the team is having fun with their frontcourt combinations and that the big win reflects their positive mood. Regarding his failure to score his first World Cup goal, Sané said he feels no pressure, emphasizing that team victory is the top priority and goals will come naturally. German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann defended Sané against external criticism, praising his high effort level, diligent defensive work, extensive running coverage, and good runs behind the defense, noting he was unlucky with one chance.
虎扑 - 足球After Winning Goal and Karl's Injury, Leroy Sané Emerges as Germany's World Cup Hope
Leroy Sané, once considered a shaky candidate for Germany's World Cup squad, has transformed into a key hope after scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 friendly victory against the USA. The 30-year-old winger was initially expected to be a backup after Lennart Karl's strong performances, but Karl's injury in final training opened a starting spot for Sané. Sané seized the opportunity with a decisive goal and an energetic performance. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised Sané's training attitude and noted his positive influence on team morale. According to BILD, Sané has shown a markedly different, more open and team-oriented demeanor compared to previous tournaments, making him extremely popular among teammates. The article suggests Sané's renewed form and attitude make him a potential difference-maker for Germany's World Cup campaign.
BILD - SportAfter Winning Goal and Karl's Injury, Leroy Sané Emerges as Germany's World Cup Hope
Leroy Sané, once considered a shaky candidate for Germany's World Cup squad, has transformed into a key hope after scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 friendly victory over the USA. The 30-year-old winger, who was not nominated by coach Julian Nagelsmann last October and faced criticism for his performances at Galatasaray, was initially relegated to a backup role behind 18-year-old Lennart Karl. However, Karl's injury in final training opened the door for Sané, who seized the opportunity with a decisive, well-placed shot. Nagelsmann praised Sané's training form and noted the team's strong support for him, as seen when all substitutes celebrated his goal. According to BILD, Sané has improved his attitude and team integration, appearing more engaged and popular than in previous tournaments. His resurgence makes him a central figure in Germany's World Cup ambitions.
BILD - SportNagelsmann Satisfied with Sané's Performance, Says Baumgartl Doesn't Realize His Own Potential
In a pre-World Cup friendly, Germany defeated the United States 2-1. German head coach Julian Nagelsmann held a press conference expressing overall satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly praising the strong start and tactical coordination. He commended Leroy Sané for his goal and defensive effort, and noted that the team's celebratory 'human pyramid' after Sané's winner reflected squad unity. Nagelsmann also discussed Oliver Baumann's professionalism despite likely being benched for the World Cup, and addressed the performance of defender Baumgartl, stating the player 'doesn't realize how good he is yet' and needs more confidence. The coach highlighted the friendly atmosphere created by American fans and emphasized the importance of the nine-match winning streak for team confidence.
虎扑 - 足球Nagelsmann Praises Sané as Match Winner Against USA
Leroy Sané scored the winning goal for Germany in a 2-1 victory over the USA in an international friendly match. After the game, German national coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly praised Sané, calling him a 'super nice guy' and highlighting his contribution as the match winner. The brief report from kicker football focuses on the positive relationship between the coach and the player following the decisive performance.
kicker Fußball NewsLeroy Sané Scores Winner as Germany Defeats USA 2-1
Leroy Sané scored the decisive goal to give Germany a 2-1 victory over the United States in an international football friendly. The goal secured the win for the German national team. After the match, Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly praised Sané, referring to him as his protégé, highlighting the player's impact on the game. The victory marks a positive result for Germany under Nagelsmann's leadership.
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