Antonio Rudiger has insisted that Germany were too 'nice' after being dumped out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stages.
Germany came from 2-1 down to beat Costa Rica 4-2, but it was not enough as Japan pulled off a surprise win against Spain to send Hansi Flick's side out of the tournament on goal difference.
It the second successive World Cup that Germany have gone out in the group-stages - despite being one of the favourites to progress on both occasions.
The Real Madrid defender believes they have bundles of talent in the squad, but need to be more gritty to be successful.
Rudiger told German TV channel Sport1: 'We're back to square one, that's the hard reality! A lot of talent, all well and good, but there are other things that go into it.
'This last greed, this something dirty, we miss that. We are a very, very nice team!'
Germany lost their opening match in the group 2-1 to Japan before bouncing back with a 1-1 against Spain, although that left them with work to do on the final round of matches in Group E.
They refused to lie down in their match on Thursday, recovering from a 2-1 deficit in the second half to finish strongly with Kai Havertz netting a late brace and Niclas Fullkrug also getting on the scoresheet.
The other match, however, didn't go in their favour as Japan sealed a controversial 2-1 win over Spain - meaning the former topped the group while the latter beat Germany on goal difference to progress.
Ao Tanaka scored from close range as Japan came from behind to lead against their European opponents to secure one of their most famous ever results, with a VAR review overturning the original decision to disallow the goal.
Germany's only victory of the major tournament in Qatar ensured that they didn't come bottom of their group like they did four years ago when they lost to Mexico and South Korea in Russia.
They have, however, been ridiculed by former players, media and newspaper outlets for their shock early exit from the World Cup.
koeaclrstu
0
Hlife
1
germany are too nice? they are the worst guests
AshraT
0
But Germany goofed when it became the mouth π piece for LGBT+ campaigns!
Tuuceltu
0
Rudiger was a joke against Japan. They should drop him from national side.
Tioekoptuy
2
I think π€ they are too gay
Sir_fart-a-lot
0
Too Nice? No. Too Woke? Absolutely
Ameerul24
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Rudiger you're curse for supporting LGBT group
thats his fault?
Ameerul24
0
karma rudiger shaming japanese striker.now go home
thats how he runs bozo
Bibektumbapo
2
i just hate this overrated clown.. it makes me laugh when people call him the best defender. he is nowhere near to boateng Level..
hezcdeikls
1
Good for Rainbow colors...
Jazabdeiln
2
karma rudiger shaming japanese striker.now go home
Lidclrtuyz
3
ππ
CHIKUfcb
1
Swallow your pride and accept defeat.
Luiz00
0
Who do you think ? Will break the Geman Group stage Curse ? for 2 consecutive world cup they couldn't go through Group stage !!
piddilptu
1
justice for Germany πππ
DS11
5
Germany 2018 and 2022 world cup are like:
Riaadeim
6
Rudiger insulting Japanese players In first match and getting relegated in last match by Japan in so satisfying.karma did it best,,
putdeinptz
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he's right Germany was a bulldozer back in the day what happened I don't know these modern players need some pom pom and skirts
vomabdemnp
2
nah you guys are too arrogant and rude not the opposite. happy you lost cause you were acting a moral police rather than just athletes which u guys are.
BSafarry
2
Karma is real lol
MaxwellKyeremeh
4
Rudiger you're curse for supporting LGBT group
Kattyranking
0
clowns