By Bilal Ahmed
Germany exited the World Cup in the last 32 after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, following a 1-1 draw in Foxborough. This marks the first time Germany has lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup. The match saw a crucial extra-time goal by Jonathan Tah for Germany disallowed after a VAR review, a decision that has drawn comment from Fifa.
Paraguay initially took a surprising lead before half-time with a header from Julio Enciso. Kai Havertz then equalised for Germany in the 54th minute, scoring his third goal of the tournament. The game remained tied at 1-1 through regular time, leading to extra time where the controversial decision occurred.
Disallowed Goal and Fifa’s Explanation
During extra time, Jonathan Tah believed he had given Germany a 2-1 lead with a powerful header. However, following an intervention by the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Jalal Jayed disallowed the goal. The decision was made because Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating, “In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed.”
However, Pierluigi Collina, Fifa’s head of referees, clarified the decision, explaining that coaches and players had been informed prior to the tournament about such incidents. He stated that officials were instructed to penalise players who deliberately block opponents without attempting to play the ball, particularly when goalkeepers are involved. Collina emphasised that while maintaining a position is not inherently a foul, deliberately obstructing an opponent’s movement to prevent them from defending, especially the goalkeeper, warrants intervention from referees and VAR.
The decision, however, appeared soft to some observers, with the VAR recommending a review being a point of surprise. Some analysis suggested that the goalkeeper moved into the Germany player, rather than the other way around, making the contact a consequence of the goalkeeper’s movement. Questions were raised about whether Gill was genuinely impeded from making a save and if it constituted a clear and obvious error.
Penalty Shootout Drama
With the score remaining 1-1 after extra time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Paraguay emerged victorious with a 4-3 win. Orlando Gill, Paraguay’s goalkeeper, made saves against Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Despite his teammates missing two opportunities to secure the win, Jose Canale ultimately scored the decisive spot-kick after Tah sent his effort over the bar.
This defeat marks a significant upset, as Germany, four-time World Cup winners, experienced their first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout. It also represents another early exit for Germany, who were making their first knockout-stage appearance since winning the 2014 World Cup.
Paraguay’s Journey Continues
Paraguay’s victory is considered one of their greatest achievements in the tournament. They will now advance to the last 16, where they are scheduled to face two-time champions France in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Earlier in the match, Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro had encouraged his players to seize the opportunity. Paraguay had a chance to score within the first minute when Junior Alonso found space from a corner but could not beat Manuel Neuer. The goal by Enciso was notably Paraguay’s first goal in the World Cup knockout stage, having not scored in their previous five such matches, including a 1-0 defeat by Germany in the last 16 in 2002.
Germany had made some changes to their lineup for the match, with Deniz Undav making his first start of the tournament. Miguel Almiron was also recalled by Paraguay after serving a one-match ban for an on-field confrontation.
The match was played in Foxborough on Monday.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
