Klopp a perfect fit for Germany as Spain face Belgium

Klopp called 'a perfect fit' for Germany

Jürgen Klopp has recharged and is ready. That is the word from sources close to the former Liverpool manager, who has been told directly he would be "a perfect fit" for the Germany national team job (1). Klopp has been out of management since leaving Anfield, and the Germany role is vacant after Julian Nagelsmann's departure following the team's failure to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. No contract yet. But the noise is real.

Spain vs Belgium tonight decides a semi-finalist

Spain face Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals Friday at 21:00 CEST (2). The winner advances to face the victor of the other side of the bracket. For Germany fans, this is the tournament you have been forced to watch from the outside after that round-of-32 exit. One German outlet framed it plainly: "There is certainly no footballer in the world who has such an effect", a line about the weight Lamine Yamal carries for Spain (2). Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal are also in the frame. Belgium are the opponent, and Spain go in as favourites.

Fan-reaktioner

A Reddit thread this week pointed out a strange symmetry: every former World Cup winner has now exited at a different stage, Italy in qualifiers, Uruguay in the group stage, Germany in the round of 32, Brazil in the last 16. With four former winners still alive, the pattern holds. Read the full thread here.