Bastian Schweinsteiger did not deserve many of the barbs directed at him by the RTE panel, last night, but he’ll never live down the handball that led to France’s opener.
The 31-year-old was enjoying himself at Euro 2016. He started off as an impact sub and was promoted the the centre of Germany’s midfield in the knockout stages.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has just broken an incredible international football record https://t.co/mkbag3FkWJ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 7, 2016
He had a fine game in the quarter final victory over Italy and was the beating heart of a lively German side in the opening 45 minutes against France. Then, the wheels came off.
Jumping to head a corner clear, Schweinsteiger needlessly led with his hand and conceded a penalty that Antoine Griezmann never looked likely to miss.
He remained on the pitch – passing and probing – until Griezmann got his second. Then the shepherd’s hook was deployed. He looked spent; defeated.
Post-match, Germany coach Joachim Low insisted his side were better than France despite their 2-0 reversal. Toni Kroos kept up the theme and didn’t spare Schweinsteiger’s feelings while he was at it. He said:
“We played our best match tonight at the Euros but it didn’t help,’ said the Real Madrid player. It’s bitter… we clearly dominated France, then we fell behind because of a silly mistake with the handball.”
Teams are often teams until defeat sets in.
Kopf hoch, Jungs! #JederFuerJeden #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/TXg15nZYrn
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) July 7, 2016
Heads high, lads.
