United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is one of the most successful strikers in the history of the German national team, having won a World Cup with West Germany in 1990 and a European Championship with the reunified Germany side in 1996. On top of all that, his stint as manager of the national team helped to reestablish them as a world power. Yet, despite that long history, Klinsmann had strong words for FIFA and preferential treatment of Germany after the United States’ 2-2 draw against Portugal in their second match in Group G.
Minutes after a shocking late goal for Portugal robbed the United States of clinching a spot in the Round of 16, Klinsmann spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap about the U.S.’s difficult travel schedule and relative lack of rest throughout the group stage and particularly ahead of Thursday’s match against Germany, the strong favorite to win Group G. Here’s the money quote:
