Real Madrid star slammed as ‘unprofessional’ at World Cup

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 23: Ritsu Doan #8 of Japan celebrates scoring his side's first goal with his team mates during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 23: Ritsu Doan #8 of Japan celebrates scoring his side's first goal with his team mates during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

This World Cup has already had a few shocks. First, Argentina lost at the hands of Saudi Arabia in a match that they had completely dominated in the first half. Then, Germany suffered a comeback defeat at the hands of the Japan national team. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger was part of the German team on the night and his display did not leave some people happy.

For a good while, it had looked like Germany were cruising to a victory against Japan, as you would normally expect, before the Asian side scored in the 75th and 83rd minute of the game to turn it on its head and get a famous win for their nation.

On the other hand, this leaves Germany in a bad position in what now feels like a very tough group. They were already eliminated from this stage at the last World Cup and now might need to get a result against Spain in order to have any hope of going through this time around.

One incident from the game has caused a bit of controversy. Rudiger had lifted his legs in a somewhat funny manner while running alongside Takuma Asano, as they chased down a ball. As reported by EUROSPORT, former Germany midfielder Didier Hamann said regarding the matter:

"“Rudiger lifts up his legs. You don’t belittle the opposition [like that] because it always comes back at some stage.“I think it was very unprofessional. I think it was out of order. Arrogant. He was having a laugh, there’s only one team having a laugh now.“The spirit of the game is about respecting the opposition, respecting your opponent. And he didn’t do it. I’ve got no explanation or excuse for it.”"

Real Madrid star slammed as being ‘unprofessional’ and ‘arrogant’ during World Cup game vs Japan

Running like that is something that Rudiger has done in the past. He is not someone who has a reputation for being disrespectful towards the opposition though.

The German defender is a bit of a character and he perhaps does that to get under the skin of his opponent as well as to keep himself entertained during a match.

It does not feel like Rudiger is someone who would want to disrespect an opponent during a match. At the end of the day, Asano would not mind one bit though, as he did go on to score the winner for the Japanese team.