Four-time winners Germany are out of the World Cup in the round of 32, beaten 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw in Boston — and the fallout has dragged Arsenal into the controversy.
Julian Nagelsmann's side thought they had grabbed a dramatic extra-time winner when Jonathan Tah powered home a header in the 116th minute. But referee Jalal Jayed, after a VAR review, ruled it out. Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up, brushing him as a corner came in. Germany were furious.
“Germany knocked out of World Cup by Paraguay on penalties after controversial disallowed goal; Klopp says Arsenal scored 60% of their goals similarly.”
Speaking post-match, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp delivered a pointed verdict. "If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions," Klopp told MagentaTV. "They've scored 60% of their goals that way."
The Gunners scored 25 Premier League goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) last season — the highest in the division — and set a new record for goals from corners with 19, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber among those benefitting. Arsenal's physical approach on corners, often targeting goalkeepers, had drawn criticism even before Klopp's remarks.
It does not change the result for Germany, who were tipped as strong favourites before the match. Paraguay, ranked 22 places below them in the FIFA World Rankings, took the lead through former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso in the first half. Arsenal's Kai Havertz equalised after the break. Despite sustained German pressure, Paraguay held on, won the shootout, and now face either France or Sweden in the last 16.