Matthäus: This German team is worse than the 2018 and 2022 ones
In a column published by Bild and reposted by Hupu, German football legend Lothar Matthäus delivers a scathing assessment of Germany's performance at the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 32. Matthäus argues this German team is worse than the 2018 and 2022 squads, citing unconvincing performances against Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Paraguay, and a lack of effort and mental attitude. He contrasts Germany's stagnation with Spain's growth, noting 11 Spanish players from 2022 became world champions. Matthäus also criticizes the 'Trump and Infantino show,' alleging FIFA suspended a red card for US forward Folarin Balogun after a phone call, and condemns the 'Americanization' of football, including water breaks and halftime shows. He praises fans and exciting matches, acknowledges surprise teams like Cape Verde and Congo, and expresses cautious optimism about German football's future under new coach Jürgen Klopp.
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