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After promotion to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen (photo) and an outstanding season with ten goals so far, Niclas Füllkrug is now off to Qatar
Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images
Niclas Füllkrug from Bundesliga club Werder Bremen celebrated his nomination for the World Cup in Qatar (November 20th to December 18th) with a small cabin party.
A video published on Instagram by substitute goalkeeper Michael Zetterer shows how the 29-year-old experienced the announcement of the squad by national coach Hansi Flick on Thursday with Leonardo Bittencourt, among others.
In it, he and some teammates jump up and down and intone: "Füllkrug's on fire!"
"He's very sure of the ball, has a good finish - even with a header," said Flick about Füllkrug, who is the best German attacker in the Bundesliga with ten goals: "Niclas has the momentum on his side." The classic center forward is "one who gives the team the confidence that something is still possible.«
His club Werder Bremen also congratulated his attacker on taking part in the World Cup in Qatar.
»Even if we take a critical view of many things about this tournament, you deserve the nomination.
Congratulations, »Gap«!«, wrote the Bundesliga soccer club on Thursday.
The nickname "Lücke" was given to Füllkrug due to the prominent gap between his teeth.
Füllkrug had recently missed the game at Bayern Munich (1: 6) due to back problems.
In the last Bundesliga game before the World Cup against RB Leipzig (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. / Sky), he will probably be available again, said Werder coach Ole Werner.
Moukoko is the youngest German World Cup participant so far
Another nominee has released his feelings on Instagram: Youssoufa Moukoko wrote that he was "incredibly happy and overwhelmed".
Having achieved the goal "that players dream of their entire career" makes him "incredibly proud," said the only 17-year-old attacker from Bundesliga soccer club Borussia Dortmund in the post.
He especially thanked his parents, BVB coach Edin Terzic and his teammates.
He ended his post with the phrase "I love you" and a heart and folded hands.
Moukoko, who turns 18 on the day of the opening game on November 20, is the youngest World Cup participant in DFB history.
see/sid/dpa