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Updated Thursday July 13, 2000, 9:59 PM GMT Lothar Matthaeus
The oldest player in the tournament, and still a German regular, though how much we shall see of him after the Romania game remains doubtful. He ended his Bundesliga career in March by leaving Bayern Munich to start an unhappy spell at New York-New Jersey Metrostars but his leadership from the back remains vital to the German team. The most capped player in football history, the playmaker-turned-libero won a world record 144th cap in a 2-1 friendly defeat by the Netherlands in February. Matthaeus could still pass the 150 mark in the Low Countries. He made his international debut as a 19-year-old and captained Germany to World Cup glory in 1990, scoring four goals in the process. The old-stager's distribution remains as good as ever but Euro 2000 will almost certainly be his swansong. Limped off in Germany's final warm up game for Euro 2000 against Liechtenstein with a pulled thigh muscle. Had a nightmare against Romania and, while he played better against England, could not exert his influence on the game. Racked up his 150th cap, and probably his last, for Germany when he played against Portugal. Unfortunately it was sad exit for Matthaeus who's old legs could do nothing to prevent a 3-0 defeat.
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RELATED No party as Lothar clocks up 150 Matthaeus returns for final warm-up |
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