In his first Guardian World Cup column, the former Germany international says recent displays suggest Joachim Löw’s team may have taken their eyes off the ball
I’m often asked who my Germany heroes were growing up. I could pick anyone – if not all – of the side that won the World Cup in 1990. That is the first tournament I remember and, for obvious reasons, it is a great memory. Lothar Matthäus’s goal against Yugoslavia in the opening game set the tone for a great run of results by a truly great team.
Going into this World Cup Germany are champions again and I expect them to defend their title in Russia. They have a really strong squad and, having won the Confederations Cup last year, without some of their best players, they are not short on confidence.
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