This was not the ending Germany expected. After finishing the group stage in first place, Julian Nagelsmann's side fell overnight between Monday and Tuesday to modest Paraguay in the Round of 32, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes, bringing its 2026 World Cup campaign to an end.
Germany, as expected, struggled to come to terms with the bitter blow. Accordingly, it also looked for someone to blame. Local newspaper Bild fumed at the officiating crew led by Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, focusing on two controversial incidents: a handball in the Paraguayan box in the 98th minute and Jonathan Tah's goal that was disallowed in extra time.
Regarding the handball, they felt wronged and invoked the controversial incident from Euro 2024: "This brings back very dark memories. Chaos in the first half of extra time during the World Cup drama between Germany and Paraguay, when in the 98th minute Nick Woltemade unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that struck Gustavo Gomez's arm, but the referee waved play on."
"Gomez is this year's Cucurella"
"Does this not ring a bell? In Germany's last knockout match at a major tournament, a ball struck the hand of Spain star Marc Cucurella and went unpunished. Cucurella clearly blocked a shot with his hand inside the box. The obvious penalty was not awarded, and later Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for La Roja, eliminating Germany."
MagentaTV commentator Wolff Fuss made the same comparison, saying, "Is Gustavo Gomez this year's Cucurella?" He then made his view unequivocally clear: "Well, the arm is extended." He added, "I am certain that under UEFA supervision, that would have been called."
The headed goal disallowed for Jonathan Tah in the 102nd minute was also poorly received in Germany. Refereeing expert Patrick Ittrich went on air and told MagentaTV, "For me, that disallowance is too petty."
