• World Cup 2022

Germany vs Japan: Rudiger sends World Cup warning to opponents

Antonio Rudiger at Germany
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Die Mannschaft will kick off their World Cup campaign on Wednesday.

Antonio Rudiger believes other teams in the World Cup shouldn’t overlook Germany’s chances of winning the tournament. 

Germany found a fantastic start under Hansi Flick last year. But their underwhelming performances in recent months have convinced many observers to exclude them from the main favourites to win the title.

Following an awful 2018 campaign, Germany hope to return to the tournament’s elite sides. But Rudiger believes their quality is enough to push for the title in Qatar.

“Honestly, if we speak about favourites, we have to speak about form. Before the last international break, you look at teams like Brazil and France,” Rudiger told The Guardian.

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“I think because of our current form, us maybe not so much, but we are a big nation and have a good team. You can never count us out. Anything can happen.

“We don’t need to be afraid of anyone. It’s football. If you’re really tight together it can be very helpful. We have to get the job done. 

“We have played many great games. Now it’s the big stage. I’m not worried. We have a fantastic group.”

Germany will face Japan in their World Cup opener on Wednesday before meeting Spain and Costa Rica in their next group-stage games.

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