The four-time champion Germany national team lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32. Coach Nagelsmann's management was criticized, and the team's decline was exposed.
The German national team lost in a penalty shootout to Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, and the four-time champions failed to break through to the last 16 for the third consecutive tournament. The game ended 1-1 in overtime, and they lost 3-4 in the penalty shootout, a result that symbolized the decline of German soccer. The German national team played against Paraguay in the Round of 32 on December 14th, taking the lead in the 12th minute of the first half with a goal from Kai Havertz, but the score was tied in the 38th minute of the second half, sending the match into extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Germany took the lead and succeeded in the first shot, but failed in the second. Paraguay also missed the first shot, but succeeded in the second. Immediately after Manuel Neuer's failure in the third, Paraguay extended their lead with a third.
Germany succeeded in the fourth, but failed in the fifth and lost 3-4. This is the first time since 1938 that the four-time German national team has lost in the last 16 of three consecutive tournaments, and it is clear that the team has fallen from world class to mid-table. In particular, losing in a penalty shootout was the first time in seven tournaments for the German national team, and it exposed their mental fragility.
The fact that they conceded a goal in the 38th minute of the second half of overtime also showed the decline in their defensive organization. The German media all blamed coach Julian Nagelsmann. '' Sports Bild reported, ``Coach Nagelsmann's direction was a failure.
'' It has been reported that coach Nagelsmann may retire after the tournament, and it has also been pointed out that the team has a thin player base and delays in developing young players. As the selection of the next manager draws attention, rebuilding German soccer has become an urgent task. Player chairman Manuel Neuer said, ``The whole team has to take responsibility.
It's not just the coach's problem,'' but the media criticism has not subsided. The loss in the penalty shootout was more than just a failure in a game for the German national team, it highlighted the delay in generational change within the team. In the most recent Euro 2024, they were eliminated in the last eight, and it was pointed out that there was a delay in the way they used young players and the generational change.
This defeat clearly shows that these issues have not been resolved. Furthermore, the defeat of the German national team is part of a structural problem in European football as a whole. In recent years, the importance of developing young players has been emphasized in Europe's powerful countries, but the German national team has lagged behind other countries in its efforts.
National teams such as France, Spain, and England are actively recruiting young players and promoting a generational change, but the German national team has not been able to keep up with this trend. The current situation of the German national team shows that the strong defense and mental strength that was once called the ``Germanic spirit'' are disappearing. In particular, his mental fragility during the penalty shootout was in stark contrast to the calm and collected demeanor he showed in past tournaments.
Another problem is that, despite the fact that teams such as Bayern Munich are active in Europe at the club level, the national team has not been able to take full advantage of their achievements. The defeat also calls into question the long-term strategy of the German Football Association (DFB). It has become clear that the youth development program and measures to strengthen the national team are not functioning adequately, and fundamental reforms are required.
In particular, there is an urgent need to create a system to facilitate a smooth transition from the youth generation to the top team. Read at Football Channel
The four-time champion Germany national team suffered a historic failure in the World Cup, losing in the last 16 for the third time in a row, and the domestic media has been calling for a change of coach. It has become clear that the team has fallen from world class to mid-table, highlighting the critical state of German soccer. Coach Nagelsmann's leadership and lack of players have been exposed, and there is an urgent need for a rebuilding plan, including the selection of the next manager. This loss was not just a failure in one game, but a symbolic defeat that showed the structural problems in German soccer. Delays in the development of young players and stagnation in generational change are accelerating the decline of Germany's position in European football.
Football Channelfootballchannel.jpBy AbeKosuke1 Jul, 2:28ja
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