Voeller angered by criticism from home

YOKOHAMA, Japan (Reuters) -- Germany coach Rudi Voeller hit back on Saturday at critics from home, saying they had failed to show respect to the performances of the so-called small soccer nations at the World Cup.

"I can take criticism of our own playing style but what annoyed me the most were comments from former players and the media in our country who still believe that Germany can only lose to eight to 10 teams in the world," said Voeller, whose side play Brazil in Sunday's final.

"It's a lack of respect for the teams from Asia and Africa and also for the Americans," added the former World Cup striker.

"The so-called experts who still believe that the Americans can only play baseball and American football have no idea what they are talking about."

Germany struggled to beat the United States 1-0 in the quarter-finals and have not met any traditional heavyweights on their way to the final.

Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.