Matthäus' World Cup Reckoning: Germany Was Worse Than in 2018 and 2022
In a scathing post-World Cup analysis, German football legend Lothar Matthäus declares that Germany's performance at the 2026 World Cup was worse than their group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. He criticizes the team's lack of fighting spirit, tactical discipline, and progress, noting that nine players from the 2022 squad were still present. Matthäus contrasts Germany's failure with Spain's deserved victory, highlighting that 11 players from Spain's 2022 squad became world champions. He also condemns FIFA's decision to suspend a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun after a call from Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling it a betrayal of fair play. Matthäus expresses hope that incoming national coach Jürgen Klopp will address the systemic issues in German football.
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