Lothar Matthäus, Germany's most-capped player, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the conditions and organization surrounding the DFB team's final World Cup warm-up match against the USA in Chicago.
Matthäus specifically targeted the watering of the pitch, comparing it unfavorably to practices from 50 to 60 years ago. He suggested that the method used significantly hindered the pace of the game, making it slower and less dynamic than desired for a modern international fixture.
His criticism extended to the pre-match ceremonies, which he found to be excessively long and potentially detrimental to player focus. This sentiment was echoed by German player Kai Havertz, who described the lengthy player introduction as restless and disruptive, suggesting it could negatively impact performance on the World Cup stage.
Despite these perceived shortcomings in the hosting, the German team managed to secure a 2-1 victory against the United States. Goals from Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané ultimately proved decisive, showcasing the team's ability to overcome challenging playing conditions.
The article also provides a look ahead to Germany's upcoming World Cup group stage fixtures. The DFB team is set to face Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in their quest to advance in the tournament.
It has been confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will return to the starting lineup for these crucial matches. His inclusion marks a significant boost for the squad, as he has recently recovered from a calf injury that had sidelined him.
The team's World Cup campaign will officially commence in Houston, where they will aim to start with a strong performance.
Matthäus's comments highlight a perceived lack of preparedness and attention to detail from the host nation, raising questions about the overall standard of the World Cup organization.
