
Football
Share
Published 01:07 6 Dec 2022 GMT
Updated 11:44 6 Dec 2022 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
However, it was the decision to the substitute Alisson Becker, their number one goalkeeper, that really irked RTE's German pundit, and he wasn't shy in explaining why.
"I don't think today they needed to be at their best," former Germany midfielder Hamann said on RTÉ.
"They did what they had to do in the first half, they scored four goals. They took their foot off the gas (in the second half), understandably because they could play in second gear and save some energy for the next few games.
"There are bigger tests ahead. I think they're in the easier or weaker half of the draw. They've Croatia coming up and then Argentina or Netherlands.
"There were just a couple of things, the dancing in the first half and then taking the 'keeper off (in the second half). For me, this is an unwritten rule, and it doesn't go with that lovely tribute now to Pelé. "Because, you know, at times I feel, that they don't give the opposition the respect they should, and you don't see that with any other nation in the tournament.
"I just got a feeling that they think they are invincible and to take the 'keeper off with 10 minutes to go is something you just don't do.
"Because it's an unwritten rule, unless the goalkeeper is injured, you don't take the 'keeper off. For me, it's disrespectful, and I can't see any other nation doing it."They think they're invincible. I think that they think that they are half way to winning this tournament, but it's a long way to go. As I said at half-time, you've got to be very careful not to tempt fate. https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1599872329651478528 "But I think they tried their best to just do it. There's always something bigger than you, and you always have to keep your feet on the floor, and do the talking afterwards. "By the third goal, the game was over, if anything they were dancing more for the third and the fourth goal than the first goal. My first reaction was, you won't be dancing in two weeks' time." Related links:

AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66
One of the greatest to ever do it AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died aged 66, it has been confirmed. Widely considered as one of the greatest to ever grace football, Baresi enjoyed a storied career in the beautiful game. The Italian defender’s death was announced by his former club AC Milan […]
Football
3 days ago
We asked AI to predict the full 2026/27 Premier League season – Here’s who wins
The supercomputer has spoken! With the World Cup done and dusted, and England’s next shot at glory now at least two years away, there is only one date in every football fan’s calendar, Friday 21st August – that glorious day when the Premier League season final gets back underway. In the three weeks or so […]
Football
3 days ago
Kevin Keegan has died aged 75
Football