Germany's penalty drama: Goretzka's refusal and Tah's debut spot‑kick

Germany's World Cup quarter‑final against Paraguay ended in a 1‑1 draw after extra time before a 3‑4 defeat in the penalty shoot‑out, sparking a national uproar as veteran midfielder Leon Goretzka declined to step up when the shoot‑out entered sudden death and Jonathan Tah took his first career spot‑kick. The episode has dominated headlines as the nation grapples with the sudden‑death fallout. The quarter‑final of the World Cup saw Germany meet Paraguay, with both sides locked at 1‑1 after extra time. The deadlock set the stage for a decisive penalty shoot‑out. After the first five spot‑kicks each, the shoot‑out moved into sudden death. The tension heightened as each team searched for a decisive taker.

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Multiple German media reported that veteran midfielder Leon Goretzka refused to step up when the sudden‑death phase began. His decision left the coaching staff to reshuffle the remaining options. Defender Jonathan Tah was called upon, taking a penalty for the first time in his professional career. Tah's spot‑kick became a focal point of the ensuing controversy.

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Paraguay ultimately prevailed 3‑4 in the shoot‑out, eliminating Germany from the tournament. The dramatic images and the missed penalty sparked an uproar across Germany.