XtraTime Web Desk: World Cup winning German legend Lothar Matthaus doesn’t think this World Cup winning French side is at all a ‘golden generation’.
France may have stormed to World Cup victory in Russia and added a second star to their famous blue shirt, but not everybody has been left convinced by their standing in the game.
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus is among those who feels Les Bleus did not give the best account of themselves at the tournament, despite bringing the title home.
Didier Deschamps’ side put in a number of uncertain performances in the early stages of the competition, before finding higher gears later on and progressing through to the final where they defeated a resilient Croatia side 4-2.
Following the tournament, former professional turned pundit Matthaus took to his column in German publication Bild to reflect on what France had achieved, and what it could mean for the nation’s team.
‘I do not believe that the French will establish an era,’ wrote Matthaus.
‘The team did not adopt any style or convince with fascinating football. They did not push their opponents to the edge.’
Matthaus won the World Cup with Germany in 1990, along with the European Championship in 1980, and knows what it takes to dominate at the highest level.
While he remains to be convinced by Les Bleus, there is a certain member within their ranks who he believes is destined for greatness.