‘Pathetic’, ‘soft’, ‘a joke’: Experts rage at ‘terrible’ VAR call against Germany

A VAR decision to rule out Jonathan Tah's extra-time header for Germany sparked widespread criticism, with pundits and coaches describing the call as "pathetic", "soft" and "a joke" after Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties.

Tah appeared to put Germany 2-1 ahead in the 102nd minute, rising unmarked at the back post to head past goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

VAR advised referee Jalal Jayed to review the incident, with defender Waldemar Anton judged to have blocked Gill before the corner was taken.

The goal was ruled out, the match finished 1-1 after extra time, and Paraguay won the penalty shootout 4-3 to eliminate Germany from the tournament.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann was booked for his protests and did not hold back afterwards.

"In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed," Nagelsmann said.

Former England captain Alan Shearer was equally dismissive of the decision during BBC One's coverage.

"I don't agree with that decision at all. The keeper falls to the ground on a slight touch and it's very soft. I thought it was a terrible decision," Shearer said.

"You have to understand it is a contact sport, the goalkeeper has conned the referee and the VAR. The way he went down was pathetic."

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, working as a World Cup analyst for German television, drew a comparison with Arsenal's Premier League title-winning season.

"If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions. They've scored 60 percent of their goals that way," Klopp told MagentaTV.

"We [Germany] win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal."

Paraguay advance to the round of 16, while Germany are eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.