Antonio Rudiger has been accused of ‘mocking’ Japan striker Takuma Asano during Germany’s World Cup defeat.
With the four-time world champions leading 1-0, the Real Madrid man was forced to defend a ball over the top.
The ex-Chelsea star adopted a bizarre running style, seemingly overdoing his movements as he headed the ball out of bounds.
talkSPORT’s co-commentator for the match, Tony Cascarino, was unimpressed with Rudiger.
He said: “Rudiger laughs at his opposition position to Asano, it was a weird running style but he was laughing as he ran.”
Commentator Jim Proudfoot added: “It’s a particular racing style he has. His arms are like a cartoon character running through molasses, but he’s making progress when it looks like he shouldn’t.
That overzealousness came back to haunt them as disaster struck Germany as they conceded two late goals in the space of eight minutes to lose 2-1.
Ritsu Doan got the first one before it was Asano himself who got the winner. Ilkay Gundogan put Hansi Flick’s side ahead with a penalty.
Cascarino returned to that moment after Japan took the lead and again questioned Rudiger’s actions.
He said: “Do you think that moment of Rudiger taunting the striker as he ran contributed to Germany’s nonchalant second-half approach in that game?”
“He was smiling as he ran and he was clearly mocking the Japanese centre-forward.”
Germany could not find an equalizer and now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stage with Spain and Costa Rica also in their group.
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