From BZ/dpa
Former international Lothar Matthäus does not see Germany’s last group opponents Costa Rica as a major threat to the DFB team.
“For me, Costa Rica is not a touchstone for us when we are focused. We can be dangerous to ourselves.” Matthew (61) before the game of the DFB-Elf at the World Cup in Qatar on Thursday (8 p.m.).
Costa Rica’s Keysher Fuller celebrates scoring the winner against Japan. The goal was also very important for Germany Photo: picture alliance/ AP
With all due respect, the Costa Ricans would only have had one shot on target in their win over Japan. “They are limited. They’re happy to be here,” he said. “Of course we are the clear favorites from this side in this game, even with a few goals difference when it comes to the final result.”
Germany must beat Costa Rica to have a chance of reaching the round of 16 at the World Cup.
“Filling jug from the beginning is not a must”
A starting XI by Spain goalscorer Niclas filling jug Matthew does not see it as mandatory. “It’s not a must to bring him. It’s definitely more like an alternative. You look at the opponent. If he came from the start it wouldn’t surprise me,” he said.
The man from Bremen is definitely a good candidate. “Not because of those goals he scored. But because he is a striker who has something different than all the players in this team. He knows how to find his way in the penalty area and he is present.”