Honest Emre hurt by U21 elimination
Emre Can offered a frank and honest assessment after he was part of the Germany U21s side stunned 5-0 by Portugal in the Czech Republic on Saturday evening.
The Liverpool man had played a key role as his country progressed to the last four of the U21 European Championship this month, scoring one goal and setting up another.
But as they attempted to overcome the penultimate hurdle in their quest for success, Can and Germany were blown away by the panache of Portugal on the night.
"From the first minute onward we failed to find our rhythm," he later explained to UEFA.com.
"Our mentality also wasn't there - we just had everything missing, but excuses and apologies are no help now.
"I talked a lot this tournament, big talk even. I wanted to win the title.
"I don't know why, but for some reason, I didn't give it my best out there. If I am honest, it is just shameful."