FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina has stood by the VAR’s decision to disallow Germany’s late winner against Paraguay. The Germans thought they had booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 when Jonathan Tah scored a late header against Paraguay.
As Julian Nagelsmann’s side began to stop their celebrations, the referee was sent to the monitor. He disallowed the goal after German defender Waldemar Anton was deemed to have impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
After the four-time winners were knocked out on penalties, Nagelsmann looked back at the controversial call and labelled the decision to overturn it as a “scandal”. In response Collina issued an explanation for the call.
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Via a statement, he said: “Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene.
“This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal. Coaches and players were informed so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls.”
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Considering how angry Nagelsmann was in his post-match press conference, Collina’s words will do little to make him feel better. “It’s a scandal that he (the referee) called that off. It’s a complete scandal. There are games you have to win dirty. We would have won this one dirty.”
Germany went on to depart the competition in the round of 32 via a dreaded penalty shootout. Before the contest, they had never lost a World Cup contest via the dreaded spot-kicks.
But after Kai Havertz, Nico Woltemade and Tah all missed their spot-kicks, Paraguay held their nerve to record their first ever victory in the knockout stages. It’s a game which also leaves the future of Nagelsmann uncertain.
However, he insisted he will not be handing in his resignation any time soon. He said: “I want to continue. I’m ready. But in football, you don’t have everything in your own hands.
View 2 ImagesNagelsmann is likely still seething(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
“If the DFB wants me to, I’d be very happy to prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League. If they don’t want me to, they have to tell me.”
Paraguay will look to repeat their heroics in the next round when they face all conquering France in the round of 16.
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