Kai Havertz has demanded that Germany 'look at themselves' after crashing out of the World Cup at the group stage for the second time in a row.
Just like in Russia four years ago, the 2014 champions fell at the first hurdle following a dramatic final night in Group E. Although Germany came from behind to beat Costa Rica 4-2 in a riveting clash, Japan 's heroic 2-1 victory over Spain saw the latter pair of nations make it through to the last 16.
Chelsea star Havertz scored two crucial goals to give Germany all three points on Thursday, but they weren't enough for Hansi Flick's side to overturn a shock defeat to Japan in their opening game and a draw with Spain on Sunday.
The 23-year-old forward - who came on as a substitute for Germany in their last stand at the Al Bayt Stadium - was awarded Player of the Match for his impactful performance, meaning he had to go undergo post-game media duties before flying home from Qatar.
"We have to look at ourselves," Havertz declared. "We had enough chances to win against Japan, enough chances to win against Spain. We had the game in our hands today and stille conceded two goals against Costa, which shouldn't really be possible with the quality we have.
"We then turned the game around, which was good. But then you see the other result. With quality like that, we can't afford to lose to Japan. The game against Japan made the difference."
The former Bayer Leverkusen starlet was then asked whether Germany's off-field activities had distracted the camp during the controversial tournament, having been one of the only nations to stage any from of protest. Ahead of their 2-1 loss to Japan, Havertz and his teammates covered their mouths for a team photo to suggest that they were being gagged by FIFA when it came discussing Qatar's atrocious human rights record and restrictive social laws, such as homosexuality being criminalised.
"Performances on the pitch come first in a tournament like this," the Chelsea ace, who was signed by the Blues for £75.8million in 2020, affirmed. "Of course, the top was on our minds. We made our position clear many times. But that's the last thing we want to use as an excuse."
Have your say! Where do Germany go from here? Join the debate in the comments section.
Manager Flick echoed Havertz's sentiment when giving his own post-match verdict. "I'm not speechless. I was already disappointed and angry with the team in the first half," the ex- Bayern Munich boss admitted before underlining his commitment to seeing out his contract until after the 2024 European Championships which Germany will be hosting.
"We brought the opponent into the game through mistakes and carelessness. Nevertheless, we won the game. Our downfall didn't happen today, but in 20 minutes against Japan. We could have won against Spain with a bit more efficiency.
"Nevertheless, the disappointment is huge. I don't think the team weren't fired up. We missed a lot of chances in the first half and tried to do better in the second half. Yet, we have made a big contribution to the fact that we're now going home. My disappointment is huge, and my coaching staff feel the same way."
