BERLIN, June 6: Disappointment and anger dominated German media reaction on Thursday to Germany’s 1-1 draw against Ireland.

“From World Cup heaven into hell,” ran the headline in the Berliner Kurier tabloid while its rival BZ daily tried to rally the squad with the headline: “Enough messing around, Rudi”.

German confidence had been high in the run-up to the group F game Wednesday and the three-time champions were just over a minute away from becoming the first team to reach the second round when Ireland equalised.

Bild newspaper gave good marks to striker Miroslav Klose, who scored his fourth goal of the finals, and to Oliver Kahn, who made several fine saves to stop Ireland taking all three points.

But Bild added: “The rest were rubbish.”

“Welcome back to earth. After the 8-0 goal rush against Saudi Arabia, Germany gets a sobering 1-1 draw against Ireland,” it said.

While disappointed about the result, Bild remained confident that Germany would progress to the second round.

“A point will probably be enough. Goal difference will count,” it said.—Reuters