Germany's stunning World Cup elimination has prompted an outcry from the country's media and calls for big changes. The four-time world champions were knocked out after losing on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw in the round of 32.
Historic Penalty Defeat
The nature of the defeat proved particularly shocking. Germany had never before lost a World Cup penalty shootout, but that unblemished record was dramatically shattered by the South Americans, who defended resolutely for 120 minutes before Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick in sudden death after Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah had all failed from 12 yards.
Nagelsmann Under Fire
The outcome is widely anticipated to spell the end for manager Julian Nagelsmann, who had already faced hostility from many supporters and media. Demands for his departure have now reached fever pitch following what ranks among the darkest days in German football history.
Bild declared Germany had "delivered a truly awful performance for much of the game. Slow. Boring. Lethargic. It's another German football nightmare!" Spiegel described it as the "decline of a once great football nation" and noted: "German World Cup failure also bears the name Nagelsmann."
Media Backlash and Poll
Sky Sport Germany said Nagelsmann's team "lacked everything: speed, ideas, penetration, chances" during the opening period. Numerous "established players" came under fire, including Arsenal's Havertz, while the squad was labelled a "failed generation." A poll on the Sky Sport Germany website revealed that 93 per cent of respondents wanted Nagelsmann, who is contracted until 2028, to be shown the door.
Calls for Klopp
Bild has made no secret of its preferred successor: Jurgen Klopp. The publication hailed the former Liverpool manager as "uniquely qualified to save German football" after Nagelsmann failed to do so, ruthlessly adding: "On the contrary, he crashed headlong into a wall."
International Reactions
The international press has been equally unsparing. Spanish outlet Marca declared: "Germany is no longer Germany. They failed to advance from the group stage at two consecutive World Cups – an unprecedented feat. On their third attempt, they made it. But they didn't get any further. Paraguay sent them home in the first round on penalties – a discipline in which the Germans had previously been infallible at World Cups. Germany is not what it once was." Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: "Germany, what a flop!" while Mexican publication Esto added: "The German myth is over!"
