Germany's Ilkay Gundogan says "the politics are finished" for his side in Qatar after they did not repeat their on-field protest ahead of last night's 1-1 World Cup draw with Spain.
The Germany players covered their mouths ahead of their defeat to Japan in protest at being "silenced" by FIFA - after the governing body threatened to sanction players who wore the rainbow-coloured 'OneLove' armband.
The German FA are considering legal action against FIFA, but Gundogan says it is time for the squad to focus on football, with Die Mannschaft needing to beat Costa Rica in their final group game to have any hope of reaching the knockouts.
“We had a few players who were mad with FIFA, because obviously there were things planned from the team,” Gundogan said at Al Bayt Stadium.
“[The armband] getting disallowed just before the game, a few players were disappointed and frustrated and wanted to show something.
"We had the discussion in the team and at the end it got decided that we’ll do this gesture against FIFA. If you do something, you do it as a team.
“Honestly, my point of view is now the politics are finished."
Qatari supporters in the crowd last night held up pictures of Mesut Ozil, the former German international, during the game to accuse the Germany team of hypocrisy.
Ozil, a Turkish-German Muslim, retired from the national team after the 2018 World Cup, accusing the federation of racism.
Gundogan added: “We are here now and I think Qatar is very proud. The country of Qatar is very proud to host the World Cup — also as the first Muslim country, and I come from a Muslim family, so the Muslim community is proud.
“Now it’s just about football – enjoying and celebrating – so that’s the most important thing.”
Substitute Alvaro Morata fired Spain in front just after the hour but Germany's own no9, Niclas Fullkrug, also came off the bench to score a precious equaliser.
Germany's hopes of reaching the last-16 had been given an unlikely lifeline earlier yesterday when Costa Rica beat Japan, but they still need to win their final group game and hope Japan do not spring another shock against Spain.
On the morning of the game, Spain head coach Luis Enrique revealed on social media that the game would carry extra significance because it would have been the 13th birthday of his daughter Xana, who died of cancer in 2019.
“It was a very special day for me and my family,” the 52-year-old said afterwards. “For a long time, we have tried to live the situation with all normality. Our daughter is not with us any more but she lives with us every day.”
