Germany faced another heartbreak in the FIFA World Cup, as the four-time world champions faced elimination after their defeat against Paraguay in the Round of 32 clash at the ongoing 2026 edition on June 30 at the Boston Stadium in Massachusetts. The game ended in a cagey 1-1 draw before going to the penalty shootout.
Jurgen Klopp raises serious questions on VAR
After a scoreless extra-time period, Paraguay went further in the competition by winning the penalty shootout 4-3, eliminating Germany.
However, Germany's elimination has sparked a fresh new controversy about the level of refereeing in the game. The former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp slammed the VAR decision that ruled out Jonathan Tah's extra-time winner against the South American side. The German tactician drew a harsh parallel with reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.
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Germany crashed out of the FIFA World Cup, losing 4-3 on penalties against Paraguay after a 1-1 draw. However, in the 101st minute Tah scored a goal which was ruled after a VAR check for an alleged foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguay's goalkeeper.
"If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions. They've scored 60 per cent of their goals that way," said Klopp on German broadcaster Magenta TV.
Former Liverpool boss argued that if Anton's contact was sufficient enough to rule out Tah's goal, then many similar instances during the set-pieces, consisting of various goals scored by Arsenal in their Premier League triumph should also have been disallowed.
Klopp's statement raised serious questions on the ongoing debate over VAR's understanding of physical challenges inside the penalty area.
What is next for Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
After claiming a hard-fought win over Germany in the Round of 32 clash, the Paraguay national team has advanced to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The South American side will lock horns against the winner of the France vs Sweden clash on Sunday, July 5 at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania.