Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has stated he fancies the Euro 2024 hosts’ probabilities in opposition to “inexperienced” Spain of their quarterfinal conflict on Friday, sparking an offended response in Spanish media.
The match between Spain and Germany in Stuttgart, Germany is being billed as a showdown between the 2 greatest groups on the event thus far.
Nevertheless Lehmann — who performed 61 instances for Germany, together with of their defeat to Spain within the Euro 2008 ultimate, and is now a pundit on German tv — highlighted what he stated have been weaknesses within the Spain aspect.
“We have seen the nice outcomes [Spain] have had, no doubt, within the group section,” he instructed Welt TV. “When it comes to approach, they is perhaps higher than us. However they’re small by way of top, and so they’re inexperienced.
“They are a staff of children. They’ve very younger gamers. They do not have a lot worldwide expertise.”
These feedback haven’t gone down effectively in Spain. Wednesday’s frontpage of nation’s greatest sports activities newspaper, Marca, learn: “Lehmann, the historic German goalkeeper, is one other one who would not take us critically.”
Spain have been the one staff to earn most factors within the group stage, profitable all three of their video games in opposition to Croatia, Italy and Albania in Group B, with out conceding a aim.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, 16, has starred for them in assault thus far, in addition to Athletic Membership’s Nico Williams, 21.
Hosts Germany topped Group A, kicking off the event with a 5-1 win over Scotland, beating Hungary 2-0 after which drawing 1-1 with Switzerland.
“It is one other opinion, it is respectable, however we do not share it,” Spain ahead Mikel Oyarzabal stated on Tuesday, when requested about Lehmann’s feedback. “We all know we’re a bunch that makes an excellent staff. Individuals may have their causes for saying what they assume, nevertheless it would not have an effect on us.”