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Ilkay Gundogan BOOED by Germany fans ahead of World Cup after Recep Erdogan comments
Midfielder caused controversy in his homeland when he referred to Turkish leader as 'my president'
ILKAY GUNDOGAN was booed by Germany fans as the World Cup holders limped to a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
The Manchester City star was inundated with jeers of derision from the crowd during Thursday’s friendly in Leverkusen.
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Gundogan caused controversy in Germany after hailing Turkey’s leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “my president” during a meeting in May.
The 27-year-old is of Turkish descent and claims that although he has a “strong connection” to the country, he is “privileged to have grown up in Germany.”
However, that did little to allay the home crowd as they jeered Gundogan every time he touched the ball.
The Premier League title winner had also been criticised by the German FA for meeting Erdogan, with Mesut Ozil also present.
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Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan shooting hoops with some water bottles!
But with the Arsenal ace left on the bench, it was Gundogan who bore the brunt of the nation when he came off the bench in the 57th minute.
The midfielder could do little to relieve the pressure during a dull clash at the BayArena, with many left unimpressed by Joachim Low’s men.
GERMANY 2 SAUDI ARABIA 1 Holders limp into world Cup with dour win thanks to Werner goal
RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner opened the scoring after eight minutes before Osama Hawsawi’s own-goal two minutes before half-time seemed to put the result beyond doubt.
But Saudi Arabia came back stronger in the second half, and Germany were made to work for their win when Tasir Al-Jassim pulled one back with six minutes remaining.
Road to Russia
QUALIFYING RESULTS
04/09/16 Norway A 3-0
08/10/16 Czech Republic H 3-0
11/10/16 Northern Ireland H 2-0
11/11/16 San Marino A 8-0
26/03/17 Azerbaijan A 4-1
10/06/17 San Marino H 7-0
01/09/17 Czech Republic A 2-1
04/09/17 Norway H 6-0
05/10/17 Northern Ireland A 3-1
08/10/17 Azerbaijan H 5-1
TOP SCORERS
5 Sandro Wagner
5 Thomas Muller
3 Serge Gnabry
3 Timo Werner
3 Leon Goretzka
3 Julian Draxler
MOST APPEARANCES
10 Joshua Kimmich
9 Thomas Muller
8 Mats Hummels
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Germany XI: Neuer (Ter Stegen), Kimmich (Ginter), Boateng (Sule), Hummels, Hector, Khedira, Kroos, Muller (Brandt), Reus (Gundogan), Draxler, Werner (Gomez)
Subs not used: Ozil, Plattenhardt, Trapp, Goretzka, Rudy
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