Germany’s world cup exit: a disastrous night for the mannschaft

From our special correspondent in Boston,

A sense of déjà vu from 1998 hung heavy in the air. The same sun, familiar names like Enciso, Paredes, Arce, and Sanabria, the iconic red and white striped jerseys, and that impenetrable wall of defense. Yet, this was not France, and on Monday in Boston, the German national team, the Mannschaft, found no Laurent Blanc to break the deadlock during extra time against Paraguay. In a stunning upset, Germany was eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 following a penalty shootout (1-1, 4-3 t.a.b.), despite entering the tournament as a strong contender.

This marks the third consecutive time, after 2018 and 2022 (when the tournament featured 32 teams), that Germany has failed to advance past the initial stages and secure a spot among the top 16 nations. More significantly, the team faltered in what was once their undisputed strength: the penalty shootout, a scenario where they had historically remained undefeated in World Cup competition. The palpable despair among German journalists in the press box underscored the magnitude of this catastrophe, leaving me wishing I had paid more attention in German class to fully grasp their expletives.

“we didn’t succeed,” kimmich laments

“This is one of the worst days for German football,” a journalist vaguely confided in English in the mixed zone, quickly retreating as jubilant Paraguayan colleagues, adorned in Albirroja jerseys and flags, celebrated their team’s triumph. Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich, jaw clenched, faced the media, struggling to articulate the inexplicable.

« “It’s terrible,” the German captain expressed to reporters (a quick translation confirmed his sentiment). “As a child, I watched the national team consistently reaching World Cup semi-finals and finals. There were always great successes that inspired me. We want to bring that joy to children and people at home. We failed to do that.” »

The Bayern Munich midfielder’s performance epitomized Germany’s struggles on Monday. Usually a central midfielder for his club, Kimmich was deployed in an unfamiliar hybrid role – neither a true central defender, nor a right-back, nor a deep-lying midfielder. This tactical experimentation severely destabilized the team, particularly the right flank, where Leroy Sané, performing at a concerning level, received little support when pressured.

incomprehensible tactical choices?

Against Paraguay’s tightly organized defense, the Germans were utterly ineffective. They created no real opportunities in the first half, managed only a header from Havertz after the break, followed by a few long balls and crosses into the box. Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill was rarely tested. Furthermore, the substitutions made by Julian Nagelsmann did little to alter the course of the match.

The German coach, once hailed as a young prodigy during his early Bundesliga days with Hoffenheim in 2016, is now facing intense scrutiny back home. Criticism stems not only from the shocking result but also from his bewildering tactical decisions, such as bringing on Goretzka at halftime and Woltemade late in the game, and his controversial player selections for the squad traveling to the United States, including Jonathan Tah, Leroy Sané, and even Manuel Neuer.

Manuel Neuer, after previously retiring from international duty, reversed his decision in recent weeks, and Nagelsmann opted to include him in the squad. This was despite Neuer being 40 years old, having a challenging season with Bayern, and the convincing form of Oliver Baumann as Germany’s prior goalkeeper. “Neuer was also part of the failures in 2018 and 2022, having been selected at the last moment,” observed journalist Frank Hellman before the match. “It was a big mistake to bring him.”

« “This decision unsettled the squad,” he continued. “While Bayern players supported his return, others were far less enthusiastic. Manuel Neuer wasn’t even among the top six goalkeepers in the Bundesliga this season. We won’t go far in the World Cup with him.” »

is julian nagelsmann’s future at risk?

Frank Hellman’s foresight proved astute, even though Manuel Neuer delivered a respectable performance, making two crucial saves and, notably, stopping Paraguay’s fifth penalty to reignite hope. Ultimately, it was in vain. Beyond the selections of Neuer, Sané, or Tah, it is Nagelsmann himself who is increasingly drawing ire. Following the humiliating defeat in Boston, the coach was, predictably, questioned about his future. His response offered little definitive clarity:

« “I am not one to run away. This is not the first time we have experienced this type of tournament. There are things that need to change in one way or another, but now is not the time to discuss them. If the Federation wants me to continue, I will continue. If not, they can tell me. I understand how football works. Many people probably wish I wouldn’t continue.” »

Despite a post-match altercation with a German journalist, Nagelsmann received support from his captain, Kimmich, who also played under him at Bayern Munich: “I believe Germans need something to be proud of right now. Unfortunately, it isn’t the national team. We, the players on the field, made mistakes and we take responsibility for them. It wasn’t the coach, it wasn’t the media, it wasn’t the referee, it wasn’t the opponent. It was us.” Meanwhile, France (or Sweden, let’s not get ahead of ourselves) is undoubtedly enjoying Germany’s early exit.