Netzer enters World Cup row with Klinsmann

Former German international star Gunther Netzer has criticised striker Jurgen Klinsmann for failing to back Germany's bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

Netzer was a 70s legend with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and has been campaigning to bring the 2006 tournament to Germany. Klinsmann retired last week after being refused the chance to play one last game for the German national side in his native country after 108 caps in which he won the World Cup in 1990 and the 1996 European Championships. Netzer's criticism is seen as a preemptive strike against Klinsmann as there are genuine fears that the former Inter and Tottenham star will speak out in favour of England's rival bid to host the 2006 World Cup or else support the South African campaign which is regarded as the front runner to host the event.