Matthäus mocks US pitch after Germany's 2–1 win

Germany beat co-hosts the USA 2–1 in their final warm-up on the heavy surface at Soldier Field in Chicago. During RTL's post-match analysis, Lothar Matthäus said match-winner Leroy Sané had raised concerns minutes earlier: "The ball is slower; it doesn't roll as well on the turf." Matthäus could not believe the pitch had been watered "with a garden hose" before the match and scoffed, "That's how my parents did it 50 or 60 years ago.

They're still doing it that way here today." On Saturday evening (German time), Kai Havertz put the DFB side ahead in the second minute, heading a free-kick cross from Joshua Kimmich over the line. The United States grew into the game and equalised through Antonee Robinson in the 37th minute.

After the break, Sané restored the lead just before the hour mark to make it 2-1. Havertz later admitted the lengthy pre-match ceremony, which saw each of the 26 U.S. World Cup squad members introduced in detail, had left him restless. "To be honest, it was a bit too long," the 26-year-old told RTL.

United States, Chicago

germany, usa, soldier field, chicago, leroy sané, lothar matthäus, kai havertz, joshua kimmich, antonee robinson, pitch conditions