sport news With low expectations and an apathetic public back home, this World Cup is a ... trends now
For the first time in 16 years, Germany head into a tournament without Joachim Low and without expectation on their shoulders. After a dismal performance at Euro 2020, this World Cup is a free hit for new boss Hansi Flick - and not just because many fans back home won’t be watching.
The build-up to this tournament has been subdued, with Germany one of the strongest critics of Qatar’s human rights record. German fans have bought significantly fewer tickets than previous World Cups and several bars and pubs up and down the country are refusing to show any matches in protest.
There has even been suggestions that players should be ashamed for taking part in the tournament. Flick, though, is keeping the negativity at bay.
Germany start their World Cup campaign on Wednesday when they face Japan in Group E
For the first time in 16 years, they head into a tournament without former boss Joachim Low
‘I’m focusing on my purpose, I’m here to prepare the team for this tournament as best as I can,’ Flick said ahead of Germany’s opening game with Japan this afternoon. ‘I talked to Jogi Low, we met for lunch, he said “you know what you have to make sure that you don’t get too much information, too much input, stay away from all of that”, and that’s what I’m trying to do.’
Like England, Germany had wanted to wear the OneLove armband and are reportedly looking to take legal action against FIFA, who had threatened countries with sanctions if they carried out the gesture.
‘The team is shocked something like that was not feasible,’ Fick said. ‘I think it's a shame that you can no longer stand up for human rights.’
The lack of enthusiasm in Germany around the World Cup perhaps takes the pressure off Flick’s side, who are very much a work-in-progress.
