“Really bad” – German media respond to World Cup loss to Paraguay, as one player accepts responsibility
Germany’s surprise exit from the World Cup against Paraguay has stirred up a lot of criticism in the German media, with most people pointing fingers at one person in particular.
It was a tough night for Julian Nagelsmann and the team, who couldn’t finish their chances before Paraguay won a historic 4-3 penalty shootout. Germany controlled the ball for most of the match, making 719 passes compared to Paraguay’s 161. They even took 21 shots but missed several chances to close out the game.
After the match, a frustrated Nagelsmann talked about the team’s nerves in front of goal and called the decision to disallow Jonathan Tah’s header in extra time “a joke.” But with Germany out of the tournament early, many are now questioning Nagelsmann’s future as coach.
A poll on Sky Sport Germany’s website asked fans whether Nagelsmann should keep his job, and 93% said he should step down. The German newspaper Bild described the team’s performance as “truly awful,” “slow,” and “boring.” Spiegel called it “the decline of a once great football nation” and said the World Cup failure “bears the name Nagelsmann.”
Sky Sport Germany also pointed to some players’ performances but once again focused on Nagelsmann’s future. They said, “The end, however painful, is no surprise. Things can’t go on like this.”
After the game, former German player Dietmar Hamann gave a blunt opinion, blaming Nagelsmann for the disappointing exit. He said, “I’ve never been convinced this team was united. It’s the coach’s job to bring the players together.” Hamann added that Nagelsmann rarely watches games in person and hasn’t been to see players like Yann Bisseck or Schade, who might have helped the team.
He pointed out that while other top coaches made the effort to watch key matches and tournaments, Nagelsmann didn’t. Hamann finished by saying, “I have no sympathy for him. The team and he got exactly what they deserved—they’re going home tomorrow.”