Germany’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked criticism from some of the country’s biggest players, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp leading the charge by questioning the VAR decision that disallowed Jonathan Tah’s extra-time winner against Paraguay – dragging Premier League champions Arsenal into the fray.Germany were knocked out by Paraguay in a thrilling round of 32, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. However, the decisive moment came in the 101st minute when Tah’s goal was disallowed following a VAR review of Waldemar Anton’s tackle on Paraguayan forward Orlando Gill.
Why Klopp brought Arsenal into the debate
Speaking to German journalist MagentaTV after the defeat, Klopp questioned the consistency of the decision and pointed to Arsenal’s success in several set pieces as an example.“If the goal is not allowed, then Arsenal will not be English champions. They will get 60 percent of their goals that way,” said Klopp.The former Liverpool boss also suggested that if the amount of contact involving Anton was deemed sufficient to deny Tah’s goal, similar incidents that often occur – including many of Arsenal’s goals – would also be ruled out.Klopp’s comments added fuel to the growing debate surrounding VAR’s interpretation of physical challenges within the penalty area.
Klose: ‘VAR is looking for reasons to miss goals’
Germany legend Miroslav Klose was also a critic, insisting that Tah’s goal should have been permanent.“Of course, I can’t believe that the referee and the VAR have rejected this. If it is enough to deny a goal in the game. FIFA World Cupthen the ball becomes very soft. The goalkeeper didn’t stop the save, and for me this is a legitimate goal,” Klose told Sky Sports.The World Cup winner has previously suggested that VAR has strayed from its original purpose.“This is why many fans are disappointed with VAR. Instead of correcting clear and obvious mistakes, it continues to look for small incidents to cancel goals. Millions of fans came to watch football, not endless replays looking for reasons to cancel goals.”Klose also felt that the decision changed the course of the game.“The prosecutor has completely destroyed the power of Germany with this decision. These are the moments that change World Cups, and in my opinion, they have made a huge mistake. “
Schweinsteiger backs up Tah after heartbreaking penalty
Former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger focused on the emotional impact the converted goal would have on Tah, who later missed the target.“I honestly think the disallowed goal never left Jonathan Tah’s mind. Imagine believing you’ve scored the goal that put your country through, celebrating with your friends, and having it ruled out by VAR. Moments like this stay with you,” Schweinsteiger told ARD.He also said that football is as crazy a game as it is professional.“When he walked to take the penalty, I don’t think he was mentally relaxed. Football is as much a mental thing as it is a skill. I really believe that the first goal that was conceded affected him.”Schweinsteiger also protected the defender from being challenged.“I’m not pointing the finger at Jonathan Tah because penalties are taken by brave players, not cowards. But I can’t help but think that if the first goal had been there, Germany wouldn’t have even shot.”
