Germany’s World Cup Exit and Player Performance
Germany has been eliminated from the World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in Boston. The defeat marks the first time Germany has been defeated in a penalty shootout at a World Cup, and their first loss from the spot at international level since 1976. This early exit follows their failure to reach the last-16 in their previous two tournament appearances.
The match saw Paraguay, ranked 41st in FIFA‘s world rankings, open the scoring through Julio Enciso in the first half. Germany equalised when Kai Havertz headed home from Florian Wirtz‘s cross. Jonathan Tah had a goal disallowed by VAR before the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Havertz and Nick Woltemade had their spot-kicks saved by Orlando Gill. Despite misses from Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena for Paraguay, Tah fired over, allowing Jose Canale to secure a 4-3 victory for Paraguay.
Florian Wirtz, a Liverpool player, faced criticism for his performance during the tournament. Despite providing an assist in the match against Paraguay, his overall impact was scrutinised. Former England international Alan Shearer commented on Netflix programme The Rest is Football that Wirtz, along with other players like Leroy Sane and Denis Undav, did not deliver when it mattered. Shearer highlighted Wirtz‘s season at Liverpool, stating he had a “terrible season” and did not perform at the World Cup.
German media also reacted to Wirtz‘s display. SPOX gave the Liverpool player a 4/10 rating, noting an initial lack of inspiration but acknowledging his strong cross for Havertz‘s equaliser. Abendzeitung-Muenchen also rated Wirtz a 4, mentioning a good start but a subsequent lack of involvement in the action. Despite these criticisms, Wirtz was described as one of Germany‘s brighter outlets, delivering dangerous balls and linking play, before being substituted deep into extra-time.
Managerial Scrutiny and Future Prospects
Following Germany‘s elimination, head coach Julian Nagelsmann‘s future is under heavy scrutiny. Despite the disappointing exit, Nagelsmann stated he would not “run away” from his position. He expressed that he would continue as manager if the German Football Association (DFB) wished for him to do so, acknowledging that many people would want him to leave. This stance, however, did not find favour with former Germany internationals Thomas Hitzlsperger and Arne Friedrich, who both believe the tournament outcome would place immense pressure on the 38-year-old.
Hitzlsperger, speaking on BBC One, described Germany‘s performance as “unacceptable” and suggested that Nagelsmann had not handled situations well in recent months. Friedrich, on BBC Radio 5 Live, stated that the loss was deserved given Germany‘s overall play in the tournament and that Nagelsmann would have to face the consequences. He concluded that the team’s journey should continue without Nagelsmann.
The name of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Nagelsmann. When asked about the possibility on MagentaTV, Klopp stated he had not thought about it and that it was not the time to discuss such matters. He also mentioned that he has a job he enjoys very much as Head of Football at Red Bull.
The early return to Anfield for Florian Wirtz means he will be back with Liverpool for pre-season under new manager Andoni Iraola. Germany‘s World Cup campaign included a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao, a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast, and a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador before their elimination by Paraguay.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”