|
|
Other News |
German captain out of tournament |
|
News |
|
|
June 17, 2000
VAALS, Netherlands (AP) - Striker Oliver Bierhoff's calf muscle injury is more serious than previously thought and the German captain is lost for the tournament, team officials said Friday.
Bierhoff tore his right calf muscle in Wednesday's practice.
"Once the swelling subsided, doctors determined that it's a massive fiber tear and that he would not be able to play again at the tournament," team spokesman Wolfgang Niersbach said.
That means Bierhoff won't be available even if Germany advances to the second round.
Its next, potentially decisive match is Saturday against England in Charleroi, Belgium.
Bierhoff, 32, scored the golden goal four years ago in England that gave Germany the European title with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
Bierhoff will remain in the team headquarters and travel to the upcoming games against England and Portugal on June 20.
"It's very bitter for him," coach Erich Ribbeck said.
"It's without doubt very regrettable, he's our leader and our captain and it's a very hard blow," the coach said.
"He will stay and try to exert some influence even if he is not on the field," Ribbeck said.
"This is not how he wanted to end the tournament."
The injury means that Bierhoff probably won't contest another major championship in his career |