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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Spain, England, or Argentina? Germany wrestles over post-World Cup path
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina shows dejection after the team's 0-1 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What lessons can Germany take from the World Cup? That is the question everyone in and around the DFB is wrestling with in the wake of another disappointing tournament exit.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany star Phillip Lahm has said the Germans “don’t need to copy” world-champion Spain — and DFB director Rudi Völler thinks that runner-up Argentina is not the model, either.
“I said that, as Germany, we need to defend better. Many people pointed to Argentina as the example to follow. I thought that was a poor example,” Völler explained in comments captured by Bild, via @iMiaSanMia . “All of a sudden, Argentina became the benchmark. I found that discussion a bit hypocritical.
“I don’t want a team that plays like Argentina. That has nothing to do with football. Yes, they were world champions in 2022 and runners-up this year. But I genuinely didn’t understand all the praise they received from so many people. That was overly aggressive and sometimes unsportsmanlike.”
Völler, however, might have a bone to pick with Lahm. While the disruptive and foul-happy Argentines did not strike a chord, Spain and even Thomas Tuchel’s England did.
“Spain deserved all the praise, and England also defended very well,” Völler added.
Jürgen Klopp’s rebuild will not be an easy one. Germany in defense in particular has not consistently resembled a side anywhere close to the top level for a long time. How quickly can Klopp assemble the pieces to resemble any of these potential models — and which way will he go?
GermanyWorld CupHasKloppLionel MessiArgentinaFIFA World CupFinalSpainNew York New Jersey StadiumEast RutherfordNew Jersey
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