Thomas Muller of Germany reacts after the Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Dec. 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Germany forward Thomas Muller hinted he might have played his last international match after his team's early elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
DOHA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Germany forward Thomas Muller described his team's early elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup as an "absolute catastrophe" and hinted he might have played his last international match.
A Kai Havertz brace fired Germany to a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in their final group match on Thursday, but Japan's victory over Spain meant Hansi Flick's side finished third in Group E, behind Spain on goal difference.
"It's unbelievably bitter for us because we thought our result would have been enough," Muller said. "It's a feeling of powerlessness."
It marks the second consecutive time that Germany has failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage following their dismal showing in Russia four years ago when they finished last in their group as defending champions.
Muller, who has scored 10 goals across four World Cup editions, did not guarantee he would continue in the national team.
"For me personally, this is an absolute catastrophe. If this was my last game, it was a huge pleasure," the 33-year-old said. "We experienced incredible moments together. In every game, I tried to leave my heart on the pitch. I've done it with love." ■
