The 1998-00 period marked a historic final chapter for Lothar Matthaus with the German national team, as the legendary figure extended his world-record longevity by appearing in his fifth FIFA World Cup. Serving as the squad's veteran heart, Matthaus demonstrated his enduring class and tactical intelligence by successfully transitioning into a sweeper role, reaching an unprecedented 150 caps for his country. His final major tournaments served as a testament to his status as one of football's greatest leaders, providing a nostalgic farewell to a career defined by unmatched resilience and world-class vision.