Antonio Rudiger has been criticized for ‘mocking’ Japan’s Takuma Asano during Germany’s World Cup defeat.
As the four-time world champions trailed 1-0 in their first group game, the Real Madrid defender was forced to defend an overhead ball.
Rudiger’s ‘mocking’ run was slammed by talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino
Rudiger adopted a bizarre running style, apparently overdoing his movements as he headed the ball out of bounds.
talkSPORT co-commentator for the match Tony Cascarino was unimpressed with the former Chelsea star.
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.
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Rudiger joined Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer from Chelsea
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.”
And his actions haven’t gone down well in his native Germany either, with former midfielder Didi Hamann calling it quits.
“Rudiger gets your legs up and you don’t underestimate the opposition [like that] because it always comes back at some point,” he said.
“I think it was very unprofessional. I think it was out of order. Arrogant. He was laughing, there’s only one team laughing now.
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.
“The spirit of the game is to respect the opposition, to respect your opponent. And he didn’t. I have no explanation or excuse for that,” Hamann added.
It’s Spain next to Germany on Sunday. Luis Enrique’s men will be full of confidence as they won their opener 7-0.
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