Oh Sebastian, you poor fella
There was widespread surprise when Germany announced their squad for Saturday’s match with Sweden and Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Rudy was starting ahead of Ilkay Gundogan.
Rudy, a former TSG Hoffenheim midfielder, came in to replace Sami Khedira, who struggled against the pace of Mexico last week.
Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, he didn’t get much time to truly make an imatc in his first World Cup start, after taking a truly horrific boot to the face during the first half.
Sebastian Rudy lays flat out after taking multiple studs to the face. pic.twitter.com/9dY9vOw35T
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) June 23, 2018
Das sieht erstmal nicht gut aus! Gute Besserung, Sebastian Rudy! #GERSWE #WM2018 pic.twitter.com/cPZqIVslYf
— BILD (@BILD) June 23, 2018
The incident in question occurred after just half an hour, as Sweden forward Ola Toivonen ran past Rudy as he slid for a tackle.
Rather than make the sort of contact on the ball that he wanted, Rudy instead took contact to the face, as the entire surface of the bottom of Toivonen’s boot clattered into his face.
The result? Floods of blood from Rudy’s face and a look of pure confusion.
The German national team’s doctors attempted to clean him up after escorting him off the pitch, but unfortunately for Rudy his face continued to bleed relentlessly.
He was forced out of the game – reacting angirly after discovering he wouldn’t return to the game – and, one would expect, will be a doubt for Germany next’s group game with South Korea.
