Mesut Ozil did not start in Germany’s 2-1 victory over Sweden in the World Cup Group F Match Day 2 clash on Saturday.
Ozil was benched by Germany after 26 consecutive starts in major tournaments. It was the first time in his nine year international career he has not started for the national team since making his debut.
Mesut Ozil: Benched by Germany after 26 consecutive starts in major tournaments (h/t @OptaFranz) //t.co/zuBVO7weYW
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2018
Ozil has had a rough week. Several former Germany national team players including Lohar Matthaus, Stefen Effenberg and Mario Basler singled him out for criticism after the 1-0 defeat against Mexico.
“He’s over-rated as a footballer. I have to say it over and over again – he has the body language of a dead frog. It’s pathetic,” Basler stated live on TV, his words were applauded by the live audience.
Joachim Low was under pressure to leave the 29-year-old out the team.
We took a look at how fans reacted to Ozil being dropped on social media.
Arsenal fans rose to the defence of their star playmaker after the criticism that has been directed at him.
No Ozil to blame. Germany might just lash out on Kroos for giving away possession easily in that one!
— Thierry Nyann (@nyannthierry) June 23, 2018
Can you just for a second imagine it was Mesut Ozil giving the ball away on the edge of his own box then completely failing to track the runner after.
Not a word about Kroos.
Not a word
— Woz ??????? (@wozthegooner) June 23, 2018
Just trying to work out how we can blame Ozil for the Sweden goal
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) June 23, 2018
Toni Kroos giving the ball away cheaply in the middle of the park. Awful casual pass, allowing Sweden to win the ball high up the pitch and score. But his name is not Mesut Ozil, so he won’t be criticised for it!
— LTArsenal™ (@ltarsenal) June 23, 2018
Wait so Germany’s defensive problems and poor build up weren’t down to Ozil? pic.twitter.com/JAndJbpfEy
— Michael Timbs (@MichaelTimbs) June 23, 2018
Kroos out here dropping 3/10s and won’t get slated because he’s not Ozil LOLLL
— MÖ11FC (@Aahan_Botadkar) June 23, 2018
It’s all Ozil’s fault I bet ?
— Gooner Nick (@NickVann1987) June 23, 2018
…That Sweden Goal is probably still Mesut Ozil’s fault ??!
— #WorldCupFantasy YIRMA (@FantasyYIRMA) June 23, 2018
Let’s be honest Germany look lost without Ozil on the pitch. No creativity or flair. Brandt needs to start next game hit the post twice in the two games he’s featured in deserves to start ahead of Draxler. Boateng getting sent off was a blessing in disguise ? #GERSWE #WorldCup
— Coquelin (@LeCoqueliin) June 23, 2018
Joachim Low bowed to pressure from the far right to drop Mesut Ozil … and this is the result
— Eren Sarigul (@_ErenSarigul) June 23, 2018
Dear Germany, I was only supporting you because of Mesut Ozil but now that you have decided to drop him I guess it’s time to say adios. Come on Sweden.
— Danny WelBeast (@WelBeast) June 23, 2018
If Ozil was dropped should Muller be dropped as well? is the playmaker being used as a scapegoat? and should he be given another chance.
Muller was so bad today. If Ozil could be dropped, I don’t see why Muller should start the next game.
— Cerè Maradonné (@Cerebrone) June 23, 2018
And should Ozil return?
That being said, Ozil should start the next game. The real issue is that ugly troll Muller.
— Rk (@RkFutbol) June 23, 2018
Banter!
Another big game where Mesut Ozil has gone missing!
— Sportz Fan (@sportzfan365) June 23, 2018
