After Germany exited the European Championships to France on Thursday night, manager Jogi Löw could not help but complain about the number of teams involved at the tournament.
From his perspective, 24 is excessive. It reduces the quality of the tournament.
I think 24 teams is too many. The World Cup's going to be increased to 40 teams and it's getting more and more, and that's a problem in the long term. Sometimes you get the feeling that it's not doing football any good. The quality is suffering.
Of course, had the Championships not been increased from 16 to 24 teams, Ireland would not have qualified.
On TV3 this evening, Martin O'Neill was a guest analyst. Before the panel got their teeth into the final, O'Neill addressed Löw's comments.
He has a moan about everything. He had a moan about us the time we beat them in the game in October.
He does like to moan a bit. He doesn't like to moan when they win the game themselves.
I understand if you're one of the bigger nations... you might think some of the other teams... a little bit like FA Cup matches where the bigger sides didn't want to in years gone past go away to non-league sides in case they might be embarrassed.
You can watch Martin O'Neill on TV3 below.
Martin O'Neill talks Joachim Löw & discusses his thoughts on Germany and their Euro campaign #Euro2016Final #PORFRAhttps://t.co/mq0cRA31vU
— TV3 (@TV3Ireland) July 10, 2016
