'Ref, is this the final?' - Germany's Christoph Kramer left disoriented after head collision against Argentina
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The World Cup final referee has said Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer was disoriented and confused after taking a heavy blow to the head early in Sunday's match.
Nicola Rizzoli told the Gazzetta dello Sport, "Shortly after the blow, Kramer came to me asking 'Ref, is this the final?' I thought he was joking and made him repeat the question and then he said, 'I need to know if this is really the final.' When I said, 'Yes,' he concluded, 'Thanks, it was important to know that."'
Rizzoli says he told Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger about the exchange but Kramer continued playing for 14 minutes following a collision with Argentina's Ezequiel Garay.
Top 10 World Cup stars available for transfer - and the Premier League clubs that could sign them
He was eventually replaced in the 31st minute after slumping to the ground with a suspected concussion.
