Germany wins Socca World Cup: Max Kruse wins small-field world championship title

Germany is the small-field soccer world champion. Right in the middle: Ex-Bundesliga professional Max Kruse (38). At the Socca World Cup in Essen, the former national player won the title with the German small-field team. In the final, Germany defeated the Brazilian team 3:1 (2:1).

In the final, Germany defeated Brazil 3-1 in front of thousands of spectators at Kennedyplatz and were crowned world champions. When the referee blew the whistle, there was no stopping the game. Players, coaches and fans hugged each other and celebrated wildly, with Kruse in the middle of it all.

The final started anything but perfectly. Brazil, which was also dreaming of a second World Cup victory after winning the title in 2022, took the lead in the 6th minute through de Lima. However, Germany reacted strongly. Shortly before the break Fehlinger equalized to make it 1-1 (20th).

Then came a period of German pressure. In stoppage time in the first half, Kobrowski turned the game around to 2-1 (20+3). Brazil then threw everything forward, but Germany defended passionately. When Kohlstädt made it 3-1 in the 38th minute, the decision was made.

“Our team was simply stronger,” says Kruse

Max Kruse said after the final whistle: "A great feeling! It's amazing. The Brazilians played a really great tournament, but our team was simply stronger." Captain Konstantin Fries cheered: "This is a dream that comes true. We will have a short night."

The title is the reward for an outstanding tournament. At the start, Germany defeated Argentina 4-0. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic and a one-sided 15-1 draw against Indonesia. The team then marched into the final over Serbia (4:1), Denmark (2:1), France (4:3) and the 2025 world champion Poland (3:2).