Schweinsteiger defends Real Madrid star after Germany World Cup exit | OneFootball

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Madrid Universal

·2 December 2022

Schweinsteiger defends Real Madrid star after Germany World Cup exit

Article image:Schweinsteiger defends Real Madrid star after Germany World Cup exit

Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica last night was not enough to seal qualification to the Round of 16. Thanks to Japan’s win over Spain, the Germans ended up third in the group.

This is the second time in a row Die Mannschaft have been eliminated from the group stages of the World Cup. And in light of the result, German footballing legend Bastian Schweinsteiger has voiced his displeasure with the result.


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Schweinsteiger has taken a tig at the German defenders, in particular, as the team has collectively conceded five goals in three matches. But the former Bayern Munich midfielder, though, has praised Antonio Rudiger, labeling him as the only good defender in the team.

“We have only one high-level defender and that is Antonio Rudiger,” he told ARD (h/t DW Sports).

Widely considered one of the best German midfielders of the 21st century, Schweinsteiger went on to criticize the other defenders in the squad, suggesting that they lack the experience and exposure to high-level football.

“The others are all just Bundesliga quality,” he remarked. Schweinsteiger’s comments come in the midst of widespread criticism over the performances of some of the German defenders including Borussia Dortmund duo Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck.

Rudiger, on the other hand, was one of the consistent performers over the past three matches, using his experience and leadership qualities to steady the ship at the back. However, he did have a few sloppy moments against Costa Rica last night.

But with Germany eliminated, the former Chelsea center-back is set for an early return to the Real Madrid camp. He is set to accompany Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, whose Belgium side was also eliminated following a draw with Croatia.

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