Before the German national soccer team started the World Cup year, DFB director Oliver Bierhoff confirmed that winning the title in Qatar is an ambitious but justified goal after the successful start under national coach Hansi Flick.
"It's definitely realistic.
We have top players in our ranks," said Bierhoff on Tuesday at the team headquarters in Neu-Isenburg before the international matches against Israel and the Netherlands.
He also thinks it's good that players like Captain Manuel Neuer and Flick have publicly announced the maximum sporting goal.
But the 53-year-old Bierhoff also said that you "don't go into the tournament as a favorite".
Under Flick, with whom all of the first seven games were won, they “opened a new chapter”.
Koch tested positive
In the friendlies on Saturday (8.45 p.m. / ZDF) in Sinsheim against Israel and three days later in Amsterdam against Holland, Flick will have to do without Robin Koch.
The Leeds United defensive player also had a positive PCR test after a quick test.
Because of Corona, the 25-year-old will not join the squad, which currently consists of 23 players.
"A World Cup year is always special," said Bierhoff.
The tournament at the end of the year is "the crowning glory" in sporting terms.