Familiar feelings for Germany after another FIFA World Cup flop
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Germany was eliminated in the first knockout round of the World Cup after losing to Paraguay on penalties, continuing a recent pattern of disappointing exits for the traditionally strong soccer nation.
- Captain Joshua Kimmich expressed regret and took responsibility for the team's failure, reflecting on Germany's past consistent success in major tournaments.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann faced criticism for controversial decisions, including recalling veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and limited use of certain forwards, despite raising expectations of winning the title.
- Germany won two group-stage matches but suffered losses to Ecuador and Paraguay, with the latter considered a major upset and celebrated in Paraguay’s capital.
- Despite the early exit, Nagelsmann intends to remain as coach, while public and political reactions in Germany ranged from supportive to mocking, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality.
