Real Madrid have made a reputation of bouncing back from bad positions. We saw that time after time in the Champions League last season. At one point or another, it looked like they were set to crash out of the competition against all the teams that they faced in the knockout stages – PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City. Yet they found a way to come out on top every time.
Germany faced England in a 6-goal thriller in the UEFA Nations League recently. A spot-kick from Ilkay Gundogan and a wondergoal from Kai Havertz put the Germans 2-0 ahead. But the English side turned the game on its head with Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Harry Kane. Havertz would get a late equaliser though and it ended 3-3.
Of course, the game was up for grabs for both sides but neither one could get across the victory line. In the bigger context of things, this was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup more than anything else.
Thomas Muller might be looking towards Real Madrid for this German side to take inspiration though. As reported by the Mirror, the Bayern Munich legend told the media:
"“Maybe Real Madrid is an example to us.“I’ve played for a lot of coaches, including Carlo Ancelotti, who has won the most trophies.“After things that don’t go well, it’s all about getting back up and keeping your confidence. We’d do well to follow that.”"
German legend Muller looking towards Real Madrid for inspiration
This World Cup is going to be very interesting for sure and feels closer than it has been in a while. There are several teams who have a real chance of winning.
The likes of France, Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal have to be considered as some of the favourites. On the other hand, there are dark horses like England, Spain, Croatia and potentially even Denmark as well. And could there be a few surprise packages along the way?
Real Madrid fans will surely be hoping that a few of the club’s players get to lift the World Cup this time around. We will see how things transpire at the tournament in Qatar later this year.