Germany’s controversial exit from the 2026 World Cup has sparked criticism from some of the country’s biggest stars, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp leading criticism of a VAR decision that ruled out Jonathan Tah’s extra-time winner against Paraguay and dragged Premier League champions Arsenal into the controversy.Germany drew 1-1 with Paraguay in the round of 32 and was eliminated 4-3 on penalties. However, the decisive moment came in the 101st minute when Tah’s header was disallowed by VAR after Valdemar Anton allegedly fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil.
Why Klopp brings Arsenal into controversy
Speaking to German broadcaster MagentaTV after the game, Klopp questioned the consistency of the decision and cited the effectiveness of Arsenal’s set-pieces as an example.“Arsenal wouldn’t be champions of England if goals were illegal. 60 per cent of their goals were scored that way,” Klopp said.The former Liverpool boss said if Anton’s contact was enough to prevent Tah’s goal, similar incidents that often occur during set-pieces – including many Arsenal goals – would also have been ruled out.Klopp’s comments added to the growing debate surrounding VAR’s interpretation of physical challenges in the penalty area.
Klose: “VAR is looking for reasons to cancel the goal”
Germany legend Miroslav Klose was equally critical, insisting Tah’s goal should stand.“Honestly, I can’t believe the referee and VAR have ruled it out. If that’s enough to disallow a goal fifa world cupthen football becomes too soft. The goalkeeper was never really stopped from making a save and for me it was a completely legal goal,” Klose told Sky Sports.The top scorer in World Cup history believes VAR has strayed from its original purpose.“This is exactly why so many fans are frustrated with VAR. Instead of correcting obvious errors, it constantly looks for tiny incidents to disqualify goals. Millions of fans come to watch football instead of endless replays looking for reasons to disqualify goals.”Klose also believed that this decision completely changed the momentum of the game.“This decision by the referee completely destroyed the German team’s momentum. These were World Cup-changing moments and, in my opinion, they made a huge mistake. “
Schweinsteiger backs Tah after penalty heartbreak
Former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger focused on the psychological impact the goal might have had on Tah, who later missed the penalty.“Honestly, I don’t think Jonathan Tah has ever forgotten that disallowed goal. Imagine believing you’ve scored the goal that helped your team go through, celebrating with your teammates, and then the ball is canceled out by VAR. Moments like this stay with you,” Schweinsteiger told ARD.He added that football is as much a mental game as it is a technical one.“When he stepped up to take the penalty, I don’t think he was completely free mentally. Football is as technical as it is psychological. I really believe that first disallowed goal had an impact on him.”Bastian Schweinsteiger also defended the defender from criticism.“I’m not going to blame Jonathan Tah because penalties are taken by brave players, not cowards. But I can’t stop thinking that if the first goal had stood, Germany wouldn’t have even gone into the shootout.”
