Lothar Matthäus: Germany Threw Away This World Cup, Worse Than 2018 and 2022
Record German national player Lothar Matthäus delivers a scathing post-World Cup analysis in Die Welt. He congratulates Spain as deserved world champions, praising their tactical discipline and team unity. However, he sharply criticizes Germany's performance, calling it worse than their first-round exits in 2018 and 2022, citing lack of fighting spirit, mentality, and progress despite having nine players from the 2022 squad. Matthäus also condemns FIFA and the 'Trump-Infantino show,' particularly the controversial suspension of a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun after Trump's call to FIFA President Infantino, calling it a betrayal of fair play. He notes that Jürgen Klopp as the new national coach should address the systemic issues in German football that have persisted for at least three and a half years.
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