Germany's World Cup campaign ended in agony after a controversial VAR decision disallowed Jonathan Tah's extra-time goal, sending them to a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay.
With the score locked at 0-0 in extra time, Tah thought he had scored the winner for Germany. But VAR intervened, ruling that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up. The goal was chalked off, prompting fury from German players and fans who labelled it a 'terrible decision'.
“Germany's extra-time goal disallowed by VAR for foul on keeper; they lose on penalties.”
The decision, described as 'controversially disallowed' by the BBC, came deep into extra time, leaving Germany no time to find another goal. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Germany were dumped out of the tournament — joining the Netherlands, who also crashed out on penalties in the round of 32.
Germany's exit marks a stunning early elimination from the World Cup, with the disallowed goal certain to be debated for years. The Standard reported that the 'big decision late in extra-time goes against Germany', sealing their fate.
For Paraguay, the victory sets up a last-16 clash, while Germany are left to rue what might have been.