Fifa has provided clarification regarding the decision to disallow Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay. The incident, which occurred during extra time, saw Jonathan Tah‘s potential go-ahead goal ruled out after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Referee Jalal Jayed disallowed the goal following the VAR intervention, determining that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The match ultimately concluded with a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Paraguay emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline. Jonathan Tah missed his penalty, allowing Jose Canale to score the decisive kick for Paraguay.
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 Stance on Blocking Incidents
Pierluigi Collina, Fifa’s head of referees, addressed the controversy by explaining that coaches and players were informed prior to the World Cup about the enforcement of rules concerning blocking. He indicated that officials are instructed to penalise instances where players attempt to obstruct opponents without making a genuine effort to play the ball, particularly when goalkeepers are involved.
Collina elaborated on the directive, stating that while maintaining a position is not inherently a foul, a deliberate, even marginal, movement by an attacking player with the clear intention of obstructing an opponent’s movement and preventing them from defending should be scrutinised by referees and VAR. He emphasised that this guidance is particularly relevant when the tactic is designed to impede the opposing goalkeeper’s ability to defend the goal.
He further added that since coaches and players received prior notification, such fouls being penalised should not come as a surprise. This area of focus for Collina was also highlighted in a pre-tournament presentation, where he discussed blocking in relation to offences occurring before the ball is in play.
While the incident involving Anton and Gill happened after the corner was taken, it aligns with Collina’s emphasis on blocking as a key area of concern for officials.
Match Outcome and Player Reactions
The match saw Julio Enciso open the scoring for Paraguay, with Kai Havertz netting the equaliser for Germany. In the penalty shootout, Orlando Gill saved spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Jonathan Tah then sent his penalty over the bar, paving the way for Jose Canale to secure Paraguay’s progression to the next round.
Germany has not won a World Cup knockout match since their fourth title victory in 2014. Despite their historical success in World Cup shootouts, winning all prior to this match, they were unable to convert their opportunities against Paraguay. Paraguay had two chances to win the shootout earlier, with Antonio Sanabria missing his attempt and Manuel Neuer saving from Fabian Balbuena.
Following the defeat, Kai Havertz expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m a little lost for words. This is my second World Cup and both times it came to nothing. All I can do is apologise.” He also suggested that the players needed to critically assess their performance, excluding the coach.
Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez shared his pride in the team’s unity and strength, remarking, “I’m most impressed by our unity. We have incredible strength to face any situation. Germany knew they needed to work incredibly hard to beat us.”
Paraguay is scheduled to face two-time champions France in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Nagelsmann’s Future and Industry Response
Despite the elimination, Julian Nagelsmann affirmed his commitment to his role as Germany coach. He stated, “I am not someone who runs away. This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed.”
He added that he would continue if the German Football Association (DFB) wished for him to do so, acknowledging that many might want him to leave but expressing his desire to remain. The outcome of the match and the controversial decision have generated significant discussion within the football community.
One reporter described the situation as a “complete disaster again” for Germany, highlighting a pattern of disappointing exits in recent World Cup tournaments. The reporter expressed anticipation for the consequences that might follow this latest result.
The decision to disallow Germany’s goal was described by some as “soft,” with surprise expressed that VAR recommended a review for the incident. Some analysis suggested that the goalkeeper moved into the Germany player, whose position did not change, implying that the contact was a consequence of the goalkeeper’s movement.
Questions were raised regarding whether Gill was genuinely impeded from making a save and if it constituted a clear and obvious error. While the Premier League is expected to increase its focus on blocking and holding in the upcoming season, it is not anticipated that a VAR intervention for a similar incident would occur there.
Paraguay will play France in the next stage of the tournament.
Source: bbc.com
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