‘Arrogant’ Rudiger put to shame
German defender criticised for mocking Japan’s Asano when they were 1-0 down.
Didi Hamann has hit out at Antonio Rudiger for ‘disrespecting’ Takuma Asano during Germany’s clash with Japan on Wednesday afternoon.
Rudiger was accused of ‘mocking’ Asano by prancing while racing him to the ball. Rudiger was also seen laughing immediately after the incident.
However, Hamann says ‘there is only one team laughing now’ after Japan caused a tournament upset by beating Germany 2-1 in their Group E game. Speaking about the former Chelsea defender’s actions, Hamann said: “Rudiger lifts up his legs and do you know. You don’t belittle the opposition (like that) because it always comes back at some stage. “I think it was very unprofessional. I think it was out of order. Arrogant. He was having a laugh, there’s only one team having a laugh now.
“The spirit of the game is about respecting the opposition, respecting your opponent. And he didn’t do it. I’ve got no explanation or excuse for it.” TalkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino and Jim Proudfoot were equally as disappointed in Rudiger. They both commented on the incident as soon as it took place. Cascarino said: “Rudiger there is mocking his opposition position in Asano, that was a strange running style but he was laughing as he was running.”
While Proudfoot added: “It’s an idiosyncratic running style he’s got. His arms are like a cartoon character running through treacle, but he does actually make headway when it looks like he shouldn’t.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Liam Brady also shared his opinion on the incident - saying Rudiger will feel embarrassed when he looks back on his actions.
Brady said: “He’ll (Rudiger) be embarrassed when he sees that again and when he sees that result too.
“Because the Japanese got their own back on him. I think it was Asano he was taking the mickey out of. As Didi says, he won’t be smiling now Rudiger.”
Hamann was also critical of Hansi Flick’s squad selection. He questioned the German manager for taking the likes of Lukas Klostermann over Matt Hummels.
Hamann said: ‘I’m not saying that one player makes all the difference, but I think the fact that he didn’t take Hummels.
“He takes Bella Kotchap from Southampton, who’s a very good young player. He took another player from Leipzig, Klostermann, who hasn’t played for four months.
“And it just doesn’t make sense to me. I think it shows that he wants a quiet team. But a quiet team won’t win anything and I think it showed today.”