German Striker Undav Still Haunted by World Cup Exit and Nagelsmann's Criticism

Two months after Germany's World Cup exit, striker Deniz Undav is still grappling with the defeat, particularly a moment in the match against Paraguay that he believes contributed to the team's downfall.

During the game, Undav opted to take a shot in the penalty area rather than pass to a teammate. Then-coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly criticized this decision, stating that a simple pass would have resulted in an easy goal. This public critique has left Undav questioning his actions and whether he was truly at fault for the team's elimination.

"I've been thinking the whole time whether our elimination was also my fault," Undav said in an interview with 'Bundesliga-Magazin.' While he maintains he didn't see a better-positioned teammate at the time, Nagelsmann's public assessment has fueled his self-doubt.

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I've been thinking the whole time whether our elimination was also my fault.

Undav also touched upon previous communication issues with Nagelsmann, including comments about his fitness and diet. Nagelsmann had previously questioned Undav's ability to play a full 90 minutes, suggesting a potential fitness problem. Undav clarified that while he maintains a healthy athlete's diet, he also allows himself occasional treats like döner or burgers.

Despite the lingering disappointment, Undav was one of Germany's standout players at the World Cup, contributing three goals and two assists. He had become a symbol of hope for many fans during the group stage, with numerous supporters advocating for him to be a starter.

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Was it really my fault?