Germany eliminated from World Cup by Paraguay in penalty shootout
12 reported
Germany’s World Cup campaign ended in the last 32 after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The defeat marked Germany’s first ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout, according to the BBC report. Paraguay, ranked 41st in the FIFA world rankings, held Germany (ranked 10th) to a draw despite Germany having 75% possession. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead, and Kai Havertz equalized for Germany. A goal by Jonathan Tah was controversially ruled out for a foul. In the shootout, Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade had their efforts saved, and Tah missed, while Paraguay converted four of their attempts. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said the loss was “very bitter” and acknowledged the team is “not part of the first-class teams any more.” Former Germany defender Arne Friedrich and midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger both called for Nagelsmann to face consequences, though Nagelsmann stated he wants to continue if the German FA wants him. The defeat has led to calls on social media for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to replace Nagelsmann.
What’s reported
Germany lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in the World Cup last 32 after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
This was Germany’s first ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Paraguay was ranked 41st in the FIFA world rankings; Germany was 10th.
Germany had 75% possession but struggled to break down Paraguay.
Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay; Kai Havertz equalized for Germany.
Jonathan Tah’s header was controversially ruled out for a foul.
In the shootout, Havertz and Nick Woltemade had their efforts saved; Tah missed.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said the loss was “very bitter” and “hurtful.”
Former Germany defender Arne Friedrich said Nagelsmann “has to face the consequences.”
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger called the performance “unacceptable.”
Nagelsmann said he is “not someone who runs away” and wants to continue if the German FA wants him.
Social media calls for Jurgen Klopp to replace Nagelsmann were noted in the article.
Key figures
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany manager
Kai Havertz, Arsenal player
Nick Woltemade, Newcastle player
Jonathan Tah, Germany defender
Julio Enciso, Paraguay forward (formerly of Brighton and Ipswich)
Arne Friedrich, former Germany defender
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Germany midfielder
Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager (mentioned as potential replacement)
Raphael Honigstein, German football journalist
Sources: BBC News
