WORLD CUP USA ’94 / QUARTERFINALS : Spotlight : RUDE RECEPTION

With the loss suffered by Germany, Coach Berti Vogts’ future was quickly a hot topic of discussion. A German newspaperman, gentle in his approach as always, asked: “After this, do you plan to resign?”

To which Vogts responded: “Yes, there has been some speculation about that recently. After a few days, we need to talk that over. But as long as I have fun doing it, I might go on for awhile.”

Don’t bet on the fun lasting.

Greeting Vogts at home was the headline, “Out! Berti, that was it,” from the country’s largest paper, Bild.

Vogts’ predecessor, Franz Beckenbauer, who led the 1990 World Cup victory, joined in the widespread criticism of Vogts, and in a telephone survey, 62% of callers said Vogts should resign, according to ZDF television.

If you are the wagering sort, look for Berti to go bye bye.