Toni Kroos says Germany has neither the winning mentality nor the physicality to compete

Toni Kroos said Germany lacks both the winning mindset and the physicality needed to compete at the top level after the team reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years. Germany’s campaign, he said, featured unstable performances beyond the 7-1 win over Curaçao, including nearly losing to Ivory Coast and needing a last-minute Deniz Undav goal. Kroos referenced the 2014 World Cup and argued the current Germany squad is not as strong as the winning team. Speaking as captured by Sky Sports Germany, the 36-year-old said Germany no longer has the ability to secure wins even when playing poorly. He added that while players give their all, the physical attributes seen against Ivorians and Ecuadorians are not present.