Olympia 2021 – Football: Now Max Cruz has to step on the gas on the pitch

Max Kroos (33) has always been good at tapping on words – but now the striker has to follow his words with action on the pitch!

Before Olympic introduction The Federation star already spoke about gold: “Our goal is nothing but a gold medal.” For comparison: after the 2-4 defeat against Brazil, coach Stefan Kontz (58) was much less than his leading player: “We want progress in the group stage.”

The truth is: against Saudi Arabia on Sunday (8.30pm / LIVE on ARD and DAZN and here at LivetickerIt must be a victory. Cross knows it too: “Anyone who can read the table also knows that it will be definitive.”

The striker was completely disappointed against Brazil (BILD rating 6) and could not play the role of captain at all. A few months ago, Cruz announced that he “really wanted to go” to the Olympics. There was no sign of that against defending champions Brazil. Weak: Cruz didn’t hit the target, otherwise he would have jumped all the way.

On Sunday, Kruse should become the leader – then Maxi Arnold (27 / yellow-red comment) will be represented as the leader. Kuntz for BILD: “Max Kruse will lead the team to the field.”

Typical Kroos: The striker is back – as often – with a few extra pounds from summer break, and very little pumped onto the field half an hour later.

But Kroos didn’t want to know anything about a fitness issue and even contradicted his coach. While Koontz saw a clear “physical difference” between Germany and Brazil, Cruz said the players were “actually at their best” at the time of the current preparation. It looked different on the field. Koontz: “However, we lacked liveliness and a bit of tough swordsmanship.”

Against Saudi Arabia, Kruse and Co have to deliver now!