Only TWO of Germany's squad wanted to perform their infamous hand-over-mouth World Cup protest, it has been revealed.

ARD says only captain Manuel Neuer and Bayern Munich teammate Leon Goretzka supported conducting an impromptu protest with the other members of the squad opposed to the idea.

A number of ideas are said to have been discussed, with the hand-on-mouth gesture receiving the backing of Joshua Kimmich and ultimately being chosen despite not having universally approved amongst the squad.

Despite taking the lead against Japan in their opener, Germany would go on to lose to the massive underdogs, prompting users on social media to criticise their pregame protest.

Qatari TV hosts also hit back at the demonstration following the side's subsequent exit from the competition, with a panel on one show covering their mouths and mockingly waving the Germans goodbye.

The decision also led to criticism from Arsene Wenger, who claimed that teams that focused on 'political demonstrations' were not 'mentally ready' to perform at the tournament.