Germany forward Thomas Muller is happy to have put his recent goal-scoring struggles to one side during recent qualifiers, saying "it just works" when he plays in World Cup games.
Muller, 27, scored a brace in the 3-0 win over Norway in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier last month and then made it four goals in two games with another double in Saturday's 3-0 success over Czech Republic.
The Bayern Munich star failed to score as Germany reached the semifinals at Euro 2016 and has also yet to open his Bundesliga account for the season but continues to excel in World Cup games.
"I don't know why, but when 'World Cup' is written on it it just works," Muller told reporters. "There are good stories to be written about it."
Muller has now scored 36 goals in 80 appearances for Germany, with 18 of those coming in his 25 appearances in World Cup qualifiers and finals.
He also commented sarcastically on the recent criticism over his lack of goals for Bayern, saying: "I was in a tragic situation before the match, and so I'm delighted to have pulled myself up by my bootstraps."
After Euro 2016, Lukas Podolski retired from international football after 129 matches and 48 goals for Germany, and Muller said he is wearing the Galatasaray forward's shinpads.
"That I wear Poldi's shinpads is a little game between me and our kitman," Muller said. "I had others during the Euros, and he told me I have to take Poldi's again, and things will be better."