‘Unprofessional and arrogant’ – Antonio Rudiger blasted for ‘disrespecting’ Japan stars with wacky run in World Cup loss
ANTONIO RUDIGER has been labelled "arrogant" after producing a bizarre run during Germany's shock loss to Japan in their World Cup opener.
Hansi Flick's men led 1-0 up until the 75th minute and were pressing for a second goal as Japanese keeper Shuichi Gonda was forced into several good saves.
With his side ahead, Rudiger was forced to chase a ball over the top and usher it out of play.
But he strangely decided to perform a wacky run while letting the ball run away.
It was something which drew the eye at the time, but looked somewhat embarrassing at full-time as Rudiger's Germany conceded twice late on.
And the shock defeat has led former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Didi Hamann to slam Rudiger's behaviour.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
He said: "Rudiger lifts up his legs and do you know. You don't belittle the opposition [like that] because it always comes back at some stage.
"I think it was very unprofessional. I think it was out of order. Arrogant. He was having a laugh. There's only one team having a laugh now.
"The spirit of the game is about respecting the opposition, respecting your opponent. And he didn't do it.
"I've got no explanation or excuse for it."
Most read in Sport
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Hamann also took aim at Flick's decision not to include experienced Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels in his 26-man squad.
He added: "I'm not saying that one player makes all the difference, but I think the fact that he didn't take Hummels.
"He takes Bella-Kotchap from Southampton, who's a very good young player. He took another player from Leipzig, Klostermann, who hasn't played for four months.
"And it just doesn't make sense to me. I think it shows that he wants a quiet team. But a quiet team won't win anything and I think it showed today."
Read More on The Sun
Next up for Germany is a must-win game against Spain on Saturday evening.
Luis Enrique's side kicked off their Group E campaign with a thumping 7-0 victory over Costa Rica.