Max Kruse leads Germany to World Cup final on small field

Is the title waving? After a disappointing World Cup on the big field, the German team is close to winning the title on the small field: Title Max Kruse leads Germany into the World Cup final, a scenario that could become reality on Sunday. After the semi‑final, which ended 3‑2 on Saturday, the team looks ahead to the final on Sunday evening.

Semi‑final victory and road to the final

In the semi‑final on Saturday, the small‑field national team under the leadership of Max Kruse defeated the defending world champion Poland as part of the SOCCA World Cup.

After just over 40 minutes of play, Germany secured a late 3‑2 win.

Kruse scored the 1‑1 equaliser, securing the path to the final.

Thus, the squad led by the former DFB professional has reached the final.

The 38‑year‑old Max Kruse is by far the most prominent name in the 13‑player roster.

The long‑time Bundesliga star, a 14‑time A‑international, describes himself as a professional who, after his Olympic participation on the big field in 2021, is now contesting the second major tournament on the small field.

"I have rarely experienced such harmony in a team," Kruse said about the squad.

His experience makes him the key player for the upcoming World Cup final.

On the 46 × 28 metre artificial turf field, there are five outfield players and a goalkeeper on each side.

The goals measure only 4 × 2 metres, considerably smaller than the regular goals on the big field.

Rules such as sliding tackles, offside, or throw‑ins with both hands are handled differently on the small field.

This format allows the team to be composed of players from the Baller League and the Icon League.

Final against Brazil and historical significance

The final takes place on Sunday evening at 20:00, with Germany facing Brazil.

Thus, the World Cup final will be contested next Sunday, and the question of whether the title will still be won hangs in the air.

The title could therefore actually become reality on Sunday.

Is the title waving? – that is the central scenario of this year.

After a disappointing World Cup on the big field last year, Germany is now close to claiming the World Cup title on the small field.

The previous year, the nation was eliminated in the quarter‑final against the Netherlands.

In the inaugural edition of the SOCCA World Cup in 2018, Germany promptly won the cup.

No nation has ever won the SOCCA World Cup twice, so a second title would be a first.

Brazil, which already holds the regular football World Cup title from 2022, is also in the final.

They also stand in the final against Poland.

Besides the men's team, the German women's team in the small field is also aiming for the title.

The women are in the final against Poland, with both nations fighting for the cup.

This contrasting scenario between the embarrassing big‑field World Cup and the possible triumph on the small field illustrates how much the sport is diversifying.

Whether the nation captures the World Cup title on Sunday will show whether the word "Winkt" becomes a symbol of success.