"I think Son is a great figure for Asian football. The development of Asian football is really interesting, and I want to keep watching the process."
Six years ago, nobody expected Russia's defending champion and FIFA's No. 1 ranking Germany to lose to No. 57 South Korea. Germany was eliminated in last place in the World Cup group stage for the first time in history, unaware of the fear of South Korea, which had nothing to lose. Gündogan, who was covering his head on the bench, vividly witnessed Germany's disgraceful history that day.
As time passed from the "nightmare of Kazan," Gündogan was named captain of the German team in September last year to succeed Manuel Neuer. However, his debut as a captain was a nightmare. He lost the 2022 Qatar World Cup a year ago, failing to avenge his loss to Japan, which was the main cause of his second consecutive group elimination.
Germany, which was defeated by Asian teams one after another, said, "The most impressive thing was that they played as 'one team.' There is no conceit, and no one seems to want to be the main character. They are well organized and well disciplined. They play for each other and sacrifice themselves. They are very talented and physically always in good condition. This type of team is always hard to deal with."
Germany desperately needs to recover its reputation. Han Ji-flick was sacked and Julian Nagelsmann was appointed, but the German team is still reeling from the disgrace of the "Rusty Tank Corps," as it lost only one draw and two games in the previous three A-match games. Ahead of the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in the summer, Gundogan said, "I think it is a great opportunity for us as the host country. We will do our best before the tournament and try to make our people happy. There will be nothing better than to have a successful tournament in our own country."
Gündogan also talked about his feelings about Asian soccer. His first line started with 'Son Heung-min.' Gündogan said, "When I just started playing, people in Germany talked about a very young Asian prospect named Son Heung-min. He has still been playing at the highest level for many years, and he is on a good team. I think he is a great figure for Asian soccer," reaffirming Son's status.
Q: It was a tough time for the German national team in recent months. Considering the past performances, I feel pressured. How important is Euro 2024 to win back the German people's support?
I think it is a great opportunity for us as the host country. I was 15 years old at the time of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. I remember the atmosphere at that time where people from all over the world gathered and enjoyed wonderful soccer festivals every day for four weeks. It is what I really hope for this tournament. There is definitely a responsibility to succeed with the German team. We need some improvement, but I think we can succeed. There are not many opportunities to gather before the finals start. We will do our best before the tournament and try to make the people happy. Because there will be nothing better than to have a successful tournament in our own country.
- Toni Kroos returns to Germany's national team. How do you think it will help the Euro 2024 host team
I'm really looking forward to his return. We already know his great experience and ability. He's the same age as me. When he's 37, 38, he doesn't look like that age at all and he'll still be able to play at his highest level. He's still proving every season. He'll bring us a lot of experience and help.
- Not only did they lose to Japan for the second consecutive time, but they also lost to Korea in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. What impressed you the most about the two teams and what was better than the European team?
The most impressive thing was that they played as 'one team.' There is no pride, and no one seems to want to be the main character. They are well organized and well disciplined. They play for each other and sacrifice themselves. This kind of team is very dangerous. It is not easy to break through and it is difficult because of the high level of play. They are very talented and have always been in good physical condition. This type of team is always hard to deal with.
BY: 스포츠토토핫