It seems we are witnessing the final days for many football stars over the past two decades, and Germany's early exit from the World Cup may have triggered this. Germany was eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in the group stage after being surpassed by Spain on goal difference, as their victory over Costa Rica with a score of 4-2 was not enough to secure qualification. The German players expressed great disappointment after failing to advance from the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup, following Russia 2018.
**Emotional Decision?**
The most notable reaction from the German side after the Costa Rica match came from veteran striker Thomas Müller. Müller failed to score any goals in the current World Cup, thus remaining far from breaking the record of his compatriot Miroslav Klose, who is the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 16 goals. Müller, who plays for Bayern Munich, has only reached a total of 10 goals.
The 33-year-old hinted at international retirement following his country's participation in the current World Cup during a televised interview with the German network "ARD." Müller stated, "If this is my last game with the national team, I would like to say it has been a great honor. We have had wonderful memories together." He added, "In every match, I played with all my heart. I have lived this journey with love." Germany finished third in Group E of the World Cup with 4 points, the same as Spain, which advanced to second place on goal difference after losing to Japan.
