Germany’s World Cup exit
Germany has been eliminated from the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in Boston. This marks the third consecutive tournament where Germany has failed to advance past the round of 16, and their first World Cup knockout match loss since winning the title in 2014. The German media reacted with strong criticism, with one outlet describing the performance as “disastrous” and “another German football nightmare.” Another publication noted a “lack of imagination” and suggested the team had lost its “former glory.”
The match saw Germany dominate possession, holding 79% and completing 308 passes in the first half compared to Paraguay‘s 55. Despite this, Paraguay took a 1-0 lead. The German side, managed by Julian Nagelsmann, who at 38 is the youngest coach in a World Cup knockout stage in 40 years, had opted for an offensive lineup, giving Deniz Undav his first start.
Paraguay‘s head coach, Gustavo Alfaro, implemented a defensive strategy, often shifting between a 4-5-1 and 4-6-0 formation, making it difficult for Germany to find space. Paraguay scored with a header from Julio Enciso after a corner was recycled and crossed back into the box. Germany equalized in the 54th minute with a header from Kai Havertz, following a cross from Florian Wirtz.
Controversial VAR decision and shootout drama
The game remained tied through normal time and went into extra time. Germany believed they had scored a winning goal in the 102nd minute when defender Jonathan Tah headed in a corner. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a foul on the goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, by Waldemar Anton. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, working as a television pundit, compared the disallowed goal to many that Arsenal had scored successfully in the Premier League season, stating that if the goal was illegal, then Arsenal would not be English champions.
The decision to disallow the goal was met with frustration from the German camp, with Nagelsmann receiving a yellow card for his protests. He called the foul ruling “a joke.” Other commentators also expressed skepticism about the decision, describing it as “soft” and suggesting the goalkeeper had “conned the referee.”
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Paraguay emerged victorious. Germany‘s Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert their penalties. Paraguay‘s Jose Canale secured the win after two misses by the South American side. This marked Germany‘s first World Cup shootout defeat since 1976. Paraguay will now advance to play in Philadelphia.
The German newspaper Bild characterized Germany‘s performance as “slow, boring, lethargic.” De Zeit noted a broader decline in German football. Süddeutsche Zeitung considered this exit even more “embarrassing” than the 2022 elimination, where Germany was deemed somewhat unlucky. L’Equipe in France called it the “biggest shock of the World Cup so far,” while Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy praised Paraguay‘s determination. Marca in Spain observed that “there’s nothing left of Germany. Not even in the penalty shootout.”
Paraguay‘s victory is being celebrated as a significant achievement in their football history. The team fought with considerable heart and defensive discipline throughout the match, ultimately securing their progression to the next stage of the tournament.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Sam Whitlock is a Sports News Writer at News-GB.org. He moved from local newspapers into digital sport. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Gloucester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight game. “Clarity beats cleverness in breaking sport news.”