Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed disappointment after his team’s unexpected elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, attributing it to their slow build-up play. The four-time champions were defeated 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay in the Round of 32, following a 1-1 draw in regular time at the Boston Stadium.
Nagelsmann highlighted the team’s failure to capitalize on opportunities and the need for a more proactive approach in games. He emphasized the importance of settling matches before they reach the penalty shootout stage, acknowledging the shortcomings in their strategy during the crucial game against Paraguay.
Player Kai Havertz, whose penalty was saved during the shootout, expressed regret over Germany’s performance despite playing well throughout the tournament. He emphasized the recurring issue of falling short in crucial moments and called for introspection among the players to address the persistent challenges faced by the team.
