Speaking to RTL following Germany’s 1-0 win against Oman in their final game before the World Cup, Hansi Flick praised the performance of Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug on his international debut.
“He deserved the goal because he also had two or three other shots,” said Flick. “You could already feel on the pitch that there was a presence up front.”
Flick will be disappointed with the result after a sluggish performance, something he noted after the game: “The way we approached the duels was not at the level we would like for the World Cup. I also understand that the players shouldn’t go into duels like that as to not get injured.”
Youssoufa Moukoko made his Germany debut, becoming the youngest player to represent Die Mannschaft since Uwe Seeler in 1954. The 17-year-old has been in excellent form for Borussia Dortmund this season, scoring six and creating four in 14 Bundesliga games, earning him a place in Flick’s World Cup squad, likely down to the injuries of Timo Werner and Lukas Nmecha.
Füllkrug is the highest scoring German in Europe this season with 10 goals in 14 Bundesliga games, rightfully earning the 29-year-old a place in Flick’s 26-man squad.
A dress rehearsal before Germany’s Group E game against Japan on November 23, Flick also stated that his thoughts regarding his starting XI against Japan hasn’t changed much.
After Japan, Germany face Spain and Costa Rica.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
