World Cup in USA gets backing from Germany legend despite mixed memories of 1994 finals
Stefan Effenberg trusts US and co-hosts, Canada and Mexico, to host fine tournament, challenges Thomas Tuchel to solve England riddle
The searing USA summer 32 years ago contributed to Stefan Effenberg getting so hot under the collar that he was sent home from the World Cup finals.
Regardless of his own mixed memories from that tournament, however, the Champions League-winning former Germany midfielder believes the US, along with Mexico and Canada, will provide a fine stage for this year’s expanded 48-team competition.
Substituted as Germany toiled during a 3-2 victory over South Korea back in 1994, Effenberg responded to supporters’ jeers by raising a middle finger in their direction.
Duly booted out of the squad, Effenberg has said ground-level temperatures in Dallas that climbed to 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) were a huge factor in his temper boiling over.
“It’s not easy to play in that heat,” he told the South China Morning Post, citing the struggles of some players in last year’s Stateside Club World Cup.
“The conditions are not perfect for players from Europe, we don’t usually experience those temperatures or the humidity.