Gomez answered critics, says Beckenbauer

Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has credited Mehmet Scholl’s criticism of Mario Gomez as a reason for the striker’s form spike.

Gomez scored a brace as Germany beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday at Euro 2012, condemning the Dutch to a likely exit from the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Scholl was not impressed with the 26-year-old’s work-rate in the 1-0 win against Portugal in Germany’s opening game of Euro 2012 last week, despite Gomez scoring the winner.

However, Gomez – who did not agree with Scholl’s views – made the 41-year-old eat humble pie as he scored a further two against Oranje to secure a vital three points in Group B for Germany, and Beckenbauer believes that the criticism was an incentive for the striker to fire.

“Mehmet’s thoughts after the Portugal game were very flippant, but he seems to have spurred on Gomez,” Beckenbauer said.

“I remember I did a similar thing after the Champions League defeat to Lyon in 2001 (which ended 3-0). We went on to win the final.

“I hope that Gomez can say similar things to Scholl after the (Euro 2012) final.”

Germany just need a point in their last group match against Denmark to secure top spot in their pool.