The end for Nagelsmann? Germany suffer their 'next football nightmare'

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. The end for Nagelsmann? Germany suffer their 'next football nightmare' Figure caption, Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to reach last 16ByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished2 hours agoThere was a time when Germany were expected to win football tournaments. Including their spell competing as West Germany, they have won the World Cup four times, losing in the final another four times, and they have won three of the six European Championship finals they have been in.

But those days are over. The front page of Tuesday's Bild newspaper summed it up with a headline that translates as 'The next German football nightmare' after Germany's World Cup run came to an abrupt halt in the last 32, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay after it had been 1-1 at the end of extra time. Since their most recent World Cup success in 2014, Germany have failed to make it out of the group stage twice and have now lost in the first knockout match they have faced in 2026.

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At the start of the competition, Paraguay were 41st in the Fifa world rankings, with Germany 10th. But that did not stop the South Americans handing Germany their first ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout. Figure caption, 'Germany play one way - and it doesn't work anymore'In Boston, despite having 75% of the ball, Germany struggled to break down a well-organised, resilient but limited Paraguay side, who took a surprise lead through former Brighton and Ipswich man Julio Enciso.

Arsenal's Kai Havertz equalised with a glancing header early in the second half before Jonathan Tah's header was controversially ruled out for a foul by a team-mate seconds earlier. But at least Germany had the safety net of penalties, and could fall back on a perfect 100% World Cup shootout record of played four, won four. Havertz went first and had his effort saved.

Newcastle's Nick Woltemade also was denied by Gill and, despite being given a lifeline with two Paraguay failures, Tah then blasted his attempt over, before defender Jose Canale sealed Paraguay's victory. "When you exit the World Cup after you play Paraguay it is very bitter. It is very hurtful," said Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.

"This is the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams any more. "'A joke' - how a 'terrible' VAR disallowed goal cost Germany Published3 hours agoInside Paraguay's tears of joy over their seismic World Cup shock Published1 hour agoParaguay stun Germany on penalties to reach last 16 of World Cup 'Nagelsmann has to face the consequences'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Nagelsmann was appointed as Germany coach in September 2023Nagelsmann, a Bundesliga winner in charge of Bayern Munich in 2022, took over the national team in 2023, but they only reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 Euros they hosted. Their World Cup campaign in North America started well, thrashing newcomers Curacao 7-1 and then coming from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.