Germany’s World Cup exit sparks calls for new coach after Paraguay loss

Germany’s World Cup campaign ended in humiliation after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 16, sparking immediate calls for Julian Nagelsmann’s dismissal. The match, described by German media as a "shameful elimination," saw the Mannschaft control possession but lack the cutting edge needed to break down Paraguay. Three missed penalties sealed their fate, including Kai Havertz’s first attempt, which he later admitted to regretting. Nagelsmann, whose contract runs until UEFA EURO 2028, dismissed suggestions of stepping down. "I am available. If the DFB wants me, I will lead the team at the Euros. If not, they must tell me. I am not someone who walks away," he stated. Havertz, who also missed a penalty in Germany’s 2022 World Cup group-stage exit, expressed frustration. "My second World Cup and I’ve ruined both. All I can say is I’m sorry. If you’re eliminated by Paraguay, something is wrong with us," he said.

Völler backs Nagelsmann after Germany’s early World Cup exit

German media outlets were scathing. ** called it "another German football nightmare," while *Süddeutsche Zeitung* labeled it a "complete and deserved defeat." *Die Welt* ran the headline "Time for a new national coach," suggesting Jürgen Klopp as a replacement. The criticism extended beyond results. TV analyst Fritzy Kromp, coach of Werder Bremen’s women’s team, questioned the decision to substitute striker Nick Woltemade before the shoot-out. Woltemade was one of the three players who missed, leaving Kromp "speechless" at the timing of his introduction. Germany’s struggles continued a pattern of early exits. The 2014 champions have now been eliminated in the first knockout round in three consecutive World Cups, including defeats to Algeria and South Korea in 2014 and 2022.

Nagelsmann’s Germany collapses again: Paraguay end World Cup hopes in Boston

This was Germany’s 12th World Cup match to go to extra time, more than any other nation, but the first time they lost a World Cup game on penalties under Nagelsmann’s leadership. The defeat marks the third straight World Cup where Germany’s campaign ended before the quarter-finals, raising serious questions about the team’s direction under Nagelsmann.