Defending champions Germany arrive at Moscow ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018
Team Germany landed in Moscow on Tuesday to attempt to successfully defend their World Cup title and hoping to leave the political controversy surrounding Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan behind them. Star player Toni Kroos wants Germany to become the first team to retain the World Cup for 56 years.
A plane carrying Germany national football team decorated with the country's national flag, outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 12, 2018. (Photo: AP)
The Germany national football team arrived at Vnukovo international airport, outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 12, 2018. (Photo: AP)
Off-field distractions aside, the Germans arrived well-prepared and are bringing 26 sets of jerseys among their 12 tonnes of equipment. (Photo: AP)
Head coach Joachim Loew also arrived at Moscow with the national team. (Photo: AP)
Midfielder Mesut Ozil too arrived at Moscow midst controversies. Ozil, who has Turkish roots, were booed in pre-World Cup friendlies for meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo: AP)
Upon arriving in Moscow, Ozil on Instagram wrote: I came to Russia. I'm not only looking forward to the games, but also to learn the country, its people and culture - it's part of every World Cup.
German star player Toni Kroos shared this image on Instagram and wrote : Back to Germany for the last test before the World Cup starts... (Toni Kroos| Instagram)
Defender Jerome Boateng left the Frankfurt airport with the national football team amidst rain on Tuesday. (Photo: AP)
Boateng shared his excitement through this photo on Instagram and wrote: Russia here we come
