Thomas Hitzlsperger talks about criticism of the World Cup co-host USA, complains about a lot of “uncertainty” – and explains what national coach Nagelsmann underestimated.
The World Cup begins in twelve days in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament has been criticized because of the ticket prices and also because of the political and social situation in the co-host country USA under President Donald Trump.
Thomas Hitzlsperger will follow the final round from close quarters. The 44-year-old is on site as an expert at the ARD broadcasts, but has already toured the country in advance with presenter Esther Sedlaczek. The documentary “World Cup Madness and Title Dreams: Germany at the Mega World Cup” will be available in the ARD media library from June 5th and will be broadcast on Erste on June 10th at 8:15 p.m.
The former national player is known for his critical view of sport and its interaction with socio-political developments. In an interview with t-online, he complains about the division in football, explains how to deal with contradictions – and has a clear answer to national coach Julian Nagelsmann.
t-online: Thomas Hitzlsperger, how do you feel about traveling to the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico?
I’m looking forward to football in the coming weeks and also to the unknown: how will this tournament go? Everything is bigger, everything is more extensive because it is spread across three host countries. I’ve never experienced that up close. And that is a positive feeling with which I approach this World Cup. But unfortunately there is also another side. Because of course I read the news and keep up with what’s going on in world politics.
Are you talking about the situation in the USA?
Exactly. And then the first thought I have is: Hopefully everything goes well, hopefully nothing happens and everything is safe, so that the World Cup will be a pleasure, no matter where we watch it from.
It is also the third tournament in a row whose host – in this case co-host – has repeatedly come under political criticism. How do you deal with this as a rapporteur?
Unfortunately, you have to come to terms with this new reality. Strictly speaking, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was already problematic; the use of the stadiums after the tournament was over was questioned, as was the case in Brazil in 2014. The discussions have increased and the lightheartedness has been lost.
To a large extent, the fears have come true.
People there have already started to deal with topics that don’t directly concern football. Then came Russia in 2018 with familiar consequences. Qatar 2022 finally changed a lot of things. An even greater awareness has arisen among fans to deal with the awarding by FIFA and the organizers of a World Cup.
