Fifa explains decision to disallow Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay
Germany exited the World Cup at the Round of 32 stage after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. The match, held in Boston, concluded 1-1 after both normal and extra-time, with Paraguay ultimately securing a 4-3 victory in the shootout.
A key moment in the extra-time period saw Germany‘s Jonathan Tah believe he had scored to give his side a 2-1 lead. However, the goal was disallowed following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR). The decision was made because Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, “In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed.” This defeat marked Germany‘s first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Fifa’s Explanation for the Disallowed Goal
Pierluigi Collina, chairman of Fifa‘s referees committee, clarified the decision, indicating that coaches and players had been informed prior to the tournament about how such incidents would be officiated. He stated that officials were instructed to penalise situations where players attempt to block opponents without making an attempt to play the ball, particularly when goalkeepers are involved.
Collina elaborated that while maintaining a position is not inherently a foul, an attacking player who deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing an opponent’s movement and preventing them from defending, should be penalised. He emphasised that this applies especially when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from defending the goal.
He added that referees, and VAR when necessary, are expected to carefully analyse such incidents and intervene. Collina concluded by saying that since coaches and players were informed, the punishment of these fouls should not come as a surprise.
During the match, Paraguay initially took the lead with Julio Enciso‘s header before half-time. Germany equalised in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz provided a delivery that Kai Havertz headed into the net. Wirtz featured for 110 minutes of the match.
In the penalty shootout, Jonathan Tah sent his spot-kick over the bar, which allowed Jose Canale to score the decisive penalty for Paraguay. This victory secured Paraguay‘s place in the last 16 of the tournament.
Nagelsmann’s Future and Paraguay’s Advance
Following the elimination, Julian Nagelsmann confirmed he would not be resigning as Germany head coach. He stated, “I am not someone who runs away,” and indicated his willingness to continue if the German FA desired it. He also mentioned that he had spoken with German FA officials, who had offered comfort rather than discussing contract extensions immediately after the defeat.
Nagelsmann acknowledged that public opinion in Germany might not be positive about him after the tournament but expressed confidence in his ability to improve the team’s performance. He described the match against Paraguay as very difficult due to their ultra-defensive play.
For Paraguay, the victory was met with considerable celebration. Their president declared the following Tuesday a national holiday, and journalists cheered the winning penalty. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team, highlighting the importance of football for the nation.
Paraguay is scheduled to play two-time champions France in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
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Source: bbc.com
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
