Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has spoken of his disappointment at seeing his side crash out of Euro 2012 at the hands of Italy last night.
Germany failed to show the type of form that had made them many people's favourites to win the tournament as they fell to a 2-1 defeat, ending their chance to win an international title for the first time since 1996.
Beckenbauer believes that the "true" German side did not show up, and admits that he was mystified by the first-half performance.
"It hurts a lot. Too bad. Too bad. I thought after 16 years after winning Euro 96 in England that we were again ready to win a title," former Germany coach and captain Beckenbauer wrote in Bild.
"Something is still missing. Now we will have to wait another two years for a title shot. The first-half performance was a mystery to me after we performed so confidently in the four games beforehand. The first 45 minutes were deeply disappointing. That was not the true German team.
"They seemed completely lifeless. Rather than set the pace of the game and put pressure on the Italians they could not get control of the midfield against a clever opponent. Then there were two defensive errors for the goals."
Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the game, winning 103 caps for West Germany in an illustrious and trophy-laden career.
Barney Corkhill
