Bastian Schweinsteiger calls Germany mediocre after Greece defeat, hails Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis | OneFootball

Bastian Schweinsteiger condemned Germany’s level as mediocre after defeat by Greece, and highlighted Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis as a difference-maker.

Germany lost 1-0 to Greece in Augsburg in the Nations League on Sunday, a result that intensified criticism of the national side.

"We are no longer a top team. Now we are mediocre," he told ARD.

"If you look at Greece today, at Karetsas, at Tzolis or at Pavlidis up front, those were the players who made the difference for me."

Pavlidis led the line alongside Sporting duo Georgios Vagiannidis and Fotis Ioannidis.

Since arriving at Benfica, Pavlidis has entered one of his best spells, moving from heavy criticism to a key role under Marco Silva and for Greece.

He has 14 goals in 13 matches across Liga Portugal and the Europa League, underlining his growing influence for the Clube da Luz.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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