BERLIN Matthias Sammer, still hoping for a comeback from a career-threatening injury, said German soccer hasn't improved much since its dismal World Cup performance in an interview published Saturday. Sammer, Europe's 1996 Player of the Year, is fighting to return to the game after five knee operations and a two-year layoff. The fiery redhead told Die Welt he is planning to test his injured leg under rigid conditions in mid-June to see if it has healed enough to resume his career.

``I'll make up my mind on a lot of things, dependent on (the test),'' said Sammer. ``But I'm going to allow myself some time before making a decision.'' Sammer said Germany hasn't cured its problems since being ousted in the quarterfinals at France, where weaknesses were exposed in the often rigid style of the three-time world champions. ``It will be decisive for German soccer if we can develop our own special mixture of tactics and mental strength,'' Sammer said.

``Good players have to be allowed to break out of a rigid system sometimes. with strength and fitness alone we won't advance any further.'' The libero's remarks came despite Germany blasting tiny Moldova 6-1 Friday in a Euro 2000 qualifier. (AP)