National team
DFB coaching team expects Sané and Raum against Costa Rica
The German coaching and support team stands together with national coach Hansi Flick (M). photo
© Christian Charisius/dpa
The coaching team around Hansi Flick is in good spirits that the German national soccer team can play in the decisive World Cup group game against Costa Rica with the battered full-back David Raum.
The coaching team around Hansi Flick is in good spirits that the German national soccer team can play in the decisive World Cup group game against Costa Rica with the battered full-back David Raum.
Attacking player Leroy Sané, who missed the 2-1 draw with Japan due to knee problems, gave “positive signals” after his 20-minute appearance in the 1-1 draw against Spain the day after, like assistant coach Danny Röhl reported in Al-Shamal.
The Leipzig area had to be substituted at the World Cup in Qatar shortly before the end of the game due to a bruised rib. “We think it’s good for both of them,” said Röhl, referring to the decisive game on Thursday (8 p.m.) against Costa Rica, which must be won. Sané in particular was also an asset on the offensive after being substituted on. “Leroy brought what he can do to the pitch, what we appreciate about him,” said Marcus Sorg, Flick’s other assistant, in a digital press conference the day after the game.
A tournament is “a process”
Flick’s staff rated the game against Spain as “great progress”, even if the DFB selection is last in Group E after two matchdays with just one point behind Spain (4), Japan and Costa Rica (3 each). A tournament is “a process”, emphasized Röhl. The fact that it could be seen on the pitch and on the substitutes’ bench “that we are a unit” was rated particularly positively.
As was the case after the lost Japan game, the wives, girlfriends and children of the players were allowed into the DFB quarters. “The boys should switch off,” said Röhl.
Flick’s assistants left it open whether goal scorer Niclas Füllkrug will attack Costa Rica from the start for the first time. You have to look at which player has what effect on the pitch at what time, noted Sorg. However, Röhl confirmed the increasing importance of Werder Bremen’s classic centre-forward. “Fülle is a team leader. He leads the way. He’s good for the team.” The 29-year-old brings “a lot of energy” to the team.