DOHA, Qatar (AP) Germanys players covered their mouths for the team photo before their opening World Cup match on Wednesday to protest against FIFA following the governing bodys clampdown on the One Love armband.

The Germany team lined up in the traditional formation before its game against Japan and all 11 players covered their mouths with their right hands in a coordinated gesture.

It was a sign from the team, from us, that FIFA is muzzling us, Germany coach Hansi Flick said after the match, which his team lost 2-1.

The gesture was a response to FIFAs effective nixing of seven European teams plans to wear armbands that were seen as a rebuke to host nation Qatar and its human rights record.