Ex-Germany star urges Joachim Löw to drop Mesut Ozil

Paul Breitner has urged Joachim Löw to drop Mesut Ozil for Germany’s World Cup semi-final clash against Brazil.

The Arsenal playmaker has come in for criticism for his displays for the national side at this summer’s tournament, despite scoring in the 2-1 victory over Algeria in the last 16.

It would be a step towards the World Cup title and above all a step forward for the team

Paul Breitner

Ozil has started all five of Germany’s games so far at the World Cup but Breitner is convinced that the 25-year-old should not start against the hosts on Tuesday.

“If Joachim Löw is brave and says that he doesn’t want to play with just ten players, he will leave Mesut Ozil out of the next match,” Breitner said.

“It would be a step towards the World Cup title and above all a step forward for the team.

“Nine players go out there and give everything for 90 minutes and one other does nothing but walk around on the pitch.

“At a World Cup, that can’t happen. Joachim Löw has to come out of his shadow and give a reaction.”