Only a few German national players are as controversial among fans as Leroy Sané. At the World Cup dress rehearsal in the USA, the 30-year-old scored the victory – and thus smothered possible discussions about quality after Lennart Karl’s injury.
This left-footed shot was like a liberation. The former Munich player Leroy Sané tipped into the penalty area, saw that Kai Havertz gave him the ball there and then he shot it directly on goal – and as placed as possible – at the right moment into the left corner of the goal. This was the final score of 2-1 for the German national team in the test match dress rehearsal for them 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico against the host USA.
It was thanks to Sané that the German national soccer team did not get into any major discussions about the results before the start of the World Cup. It was thanks to Sané that they were able to celebrate their ninth win in a row instead. And it was also thanks to him that the shock of shooting star Lennart Karl’s injury and World Cup exit faded into the background more quickly than many people thought.
Sané booed during the friendly against Ghana in Stuttgart
Because it was he who directly replaced Karl on the right wing. Like Karl, he is left-footed on the wrong side, he moves inward like Karl (and once Arjen Robben). And suddenly he hits again. The discussions about the often lethargic ex-Munich and current Istanbul resident were heated, and not just during the nomination before this World Cup. He hasn’t been able to earn a regular place in the national team for years – somehow, one had the feeling, the highly talented player was missing something from world class. Hardly any national player has such a difficult time among the fans, He was booed during the March friendly against Ghana.
A fact that the team understands less than some fans in the audience. “I don’t think there’s any criticism from us. And there shouldn’t be any criticism from outside either, because he’s getting in on us,” said FC Bayern defender Jonathan Tah after the game in Chicago. DFB captain Joshua Kimmich agreed: “It’s only controversial among the fans, but not at all among us in the team. It’s always important that each of us is excited for our moments.”
Teammates celebrate with victory bringer Sané – support instead of criticism
The Germans’ celebration of Sané after his decisive goal was also telling. Almost the entire team came to enjoy together. A sign of why Nagelsmann nominated him, which he emphasized afterwards in the press conference. The point was that “he was well received in the team”.
Tah also named Sané’s advantages afterwards – and didn’t just focus on the goal: “I think he played a good game. He got involved, helped us in the pressing, tried to bring his actions. That’s the basis we need – and he delivered that.”
Sané thinks of injured Karl: “It hurts you personally”
In fact, Sané’s desire to play – and also to defend – was noticeable. He repeatedly grabbed the ball, especially after the break he seemed elated, but was quite unlucky for a long time. Until he seized that moment mentioned at the beginning – and swung himself up to score the goal.
After the success, he also thought about the footballer who would probably have been in the starting line-up in his place. Karl, who is currently in strong form, had to leave with a torn muscle bundle: “It hurts you personally. For Lenny, of course, a dream has shattered. He is a great boy, a great football player,” said Sané on “RTL”. “I’m happy for him with how he played this season.”
Karl was missed, especially in the first half
Captain Kimmich also thought of his Munich teammate Karl: “The guy is now 18 years old, so you have the feeling that you can fly. He’s coming off a good season, played a good test game and was extremely looking forward to the tournament,” he said. “Then it’s very bitter that he’s out with such an injury. He was heartbroken.”
Karl was missed on the field, especially in the first half, when it looked relatively uninspired and Sané wasn’t quite getting going yet and was rather reserved in pushing the ball around the US penalty area.
Why Sané’s form is so crucial for the 2026 World Cup
But perhaps the 30-year-old just had to make a run for a good World Cup after difficult months; as the last remaining, nimble Robben descendant in the squad, coach Nagelsmann needs him in the right wing position for these game-deciding moments. Not only Karl is injured on the offensive, his FCB teammate Serge Gnabry is also missing after his gala season The serious muscle injury suffered at the end of the season was painful. Sané is now probably more in demand than ever in his international career.
So maybe after so many years of discussions about him, something will come together in the national team: good performances and possibly similar game-winning goals at the World Cup would in turn reconcile the fans who are otherwise often so critical of the ex-Bayern player with him.
In the video: World Cup dress rehearsal USA vs Germany – the highlights
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Source: BR24Sport June 6, 2026 – 9:51 p.m
