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Toni Kroos Avoided Passing To A Teammate Because 'He Didn't Trust Him'

Toni Kroos Avoided Passing To A Teammate Because 'He Didn't Trust Him'

For the first time in 80 years, the Germans have gone out in the group stage.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

An incredible revelation has come out in the wake of Germany's shock World Cup exit.

Joachim Low's side crashed out of the group stage for the first time since 1938, continuing a wretched trend of early eliminations for World Cup holders in recent times - France, Italy, Spain and now Germany all faring very differently four years on from their sweet successes.

The Germans were very poor and deservedly beaten by Mexico in game one and only pipped Sweden thanks to a stunning last-gasp free-kick.

Then yesterday, the four-time winners were defeated in the most dramatic turn of events against South Korea, conceding two in stoppage time and rather embarrassingly finishing bottom of Group F on goal difference.

Die Mannschaft haven't looked anyone near like the well-oiled machine we've been used to seeing and if one story was to sum up their humiliation, it would be the claim from The Times' chief sports writer Martyn Ziegler that midfielder Toni Kroos didn't want to pass to teammate Marvin Plattenhardt in the Mexico game.

Image: PA
Image: PA

In the in-depth report, titled 'Arrogant, miserly, divided', it's said that Kroos did not trust the Hertha Berlin left-back, who was making just his seventh appearance for his country, and making his World Cup debut.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"There were even suggestions that Kroos avoided passing to the inexperienced left back Marvin Plattenhardt because he did not trust him," Ziegler writes.

"Plattenhardt, who was winning his seventh cap, was substituted in the 79th minute and did not play again."

Image: PA
Image: PA

The 26-year old really didn't look up to the task, touching the ball a mere 31 times. He lost his place to Jonas Hector for the remaining two games.

Another negative news story comes from German outlet BILD, who say there was disharmony amongst the squad, which was reportedly divided into two cliques.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Toni Kroos, Germany, World Cup