Germany crash out on penalties as Gakpo's emotional goal cannot save Netherlands

Germany’s World Cup campaign ended in controversy and heartbreak in the early hours of Tuesday morning, as Paraguay eliminated Julian Nagelsmann’s side 4-3 on penalties in Boston following a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Jose Canale scored the decisive spot-kick to send the South Americans into the last 16.

Germany were left furious after a Jonathan Tah header was ruled out by VAR in extra-time. Referee Jalal Jayed disallowed the goal after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Orlando Gill in the build-up — a decision that will fuel debate long after the tournament. Nagelsmann, whose position is now under intense scrutiny, confirmed post-match that he has no intention of stepping down.

The fallout drew an unexpected voice into the conversation. Jurgen Klopp, now serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, aimed a pointed dig at Arsenal in response to the disallowed goal, claiming the Premier League side “scored 60% of their goals that way” en route to last season’s title.

Earlier on Monday, Brazil recovered from a first-half deficit to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston. Kaishu Sano had given the Samurai Blue the lead on the half-hour mark, but Brazil turned the game around after the break. Casemiro equalised before Gabriel Martinelli settled it with a stoppage-time winner.

Overnight, Morocco became the fourth team through to the last 16, eliminating the Netherlands on penalties in Mexico. Cody Gakpo appeared to have won it for Ronald Koeman’s side with a 72nd-minute strike, only for Issa Diop to level for Morocco in the 91st minute. The shootout ended 3-2 to the Moroccans after extra-time failed to separate the sides.

Gakpo’s goal carried profound personal weight. The Liverpool forward had lost his unborn son just days earlier, and after scoring he fell to the ground in tears. Teammates immediately surrounded him — Micky van de Ven kissed him on the head, Virgil van Dijk held him close, and Gakpo pointed to the sky in tribute before composing himself to walk back to the centre circle. It was one of the most affecting moments of the tournament so far, even as the result ultimately went against his side.