Lot of hope
MATTHAUS TIPS GERMAN DOUBLE
LOTHAR MATTHAUS reckons the Germans are coming once again.
The legendary World Cup-winning skipper (right) is a proud patriot and cannot look past Joachim Low’s men to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 and only the third country in history to retain the trophy.
They will face stiff competition from Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina when the action kicks off on Thursday.
But Matthaus believes the German system which helped fire them to glory four years ago is still producing the kind of quality which will seal the deal in Russia.
Legends like Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all moved aside for a new breed of stars for a side who did not even bother calling up Manchester City ace Leroy Sane.
The ex-Inter Milan and Bayern Munich star told the “Germany are ready to win the World Cup again.
“It’s not only about the quality of the players or the team – just those little things can make a difference and Germany has always been a team ready to win. They have the quality. Some players have moved on but losing someone like Philipp Lahm has seen Joshua Kimmich get his chance.
“He’s younger and, although not as experienced, offensively he is better.
“There’s no Schweinsteiger or Klose but we have others who have come in like Timo Werner and Sami Khedira. There are many options.”
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil had another up-and-down season in the Premier League and Matthaus, 57, is worried that his patchy form will continue.
He added: “Mesut can make the difference or you don’t see him. He’s a great player but he has to show it every game.
“Just like for Arsenal, he has ups and downs. That’s not good at the World Cup because one down is too much. To win, you have to be at that top level all the time.” There may be some new names yet consistency has been key for Low. Matthaus said: “The team is young but there will still be around eight players starting who won it last time in Brazil. “There’s a lot of experience there. You have to find the right balance. “Argentina only have a chance if Messi plays well in every game. “The pressure can be too much.”