Paraguay gave one of the biggest surprises so far in the 2026 World Cup, by eliminating Germany in an exciting penalty shootout and qualify for the round of 16.
The group directed by Gustavo Alfaro starred in a “batacazo”, considered by many as historic, by leaving out one of the most competitive teams, with four world titles under its belt.
The match left all kinds of emotions, from the tie with goals from the Paraguayan Julio Enciso and the German Kai Havertz, who took the game to overtime, until the penalty shootout, in which Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill was one of the figures.
However, on Germany’s side, criticism and signs of disappointment have not ceased. Even players and the technical director, Julian Nagelsmann, They have said they feel “embarrassed” for the result that left the European team eliminated from the World Cup.
After the game, the German coach summarized the disappointment and self-criticism of the team in one sentence: “If Paraguay eliminates you, you are not a first-class team.”
The coach also considered that Germany’s defeat had a dose of “misfortune”, due to the goal disallowed by the referee, What would a victory for your team have meant?.
“I think it was quite unfortunate that we couldn’t do enough to win. This is very disappointing for Germany. “I don’t blame my players, although what we have done was not enough,” he said.
He added that the team did not defend correctly and that, although had superiority on the wings, it was not enough to make a greater difference.
Another member of the team who expressed his disappointment was captain Joshua Kimmich, who accepted that Germany “did not play” against Paraguay and that being left out of the World Cup is “a horrible feeling.”
“On three occasions we have had big problems against teams that are not world class. That is the reality,” he said.
“I remember the Germany of my childhood. I watched it on television and it always reached the semi-finals or finals. We want to convey that feeling to the children and all the people in their homes, but we have not achieved it,” added the captain.
Since the start of the World Cup, the German team did not leave the best feelings. Although they surprised with a resounding 7-1 victory over Curacao, the 2-1 victory against the Ivory Coast and the defeats against Ecuador and Paraguay They showed a team that left much to be desired among its fans.
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