From our special correspondent in Boston,

The scene in Boston on Monday felt eerily reminiscent of 1998. The same scorching sun, familiar names (Enciso, Paredes, Arce, Sanabria), the iconic red and white striped jerseys, and that impenetrable defensive wall that Germany relentlessly attacked without success. However, this German squad was not France, and against Paraguay, the Mannschaft failed to find their own Laurent Blanc during extra time. To widespread astonishment, they were knocked out in the World Cup Round of 16 after a penalty shootout (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), despite being considered strong contenders.

For the third consecutive tournament, following disappointing campaigns in 2018 and 2022 (when only 32 teams competed), Germany has failed to advance beyond the Round of 16. More notably, they capitulated in what was once their undisputed strength: the penalty shootout, a stage where they had never before tasted defeat in a World Cup. The sheer disbelief etched on the faces of German journalists in the press box spoke volumes about the magnitude of this disaster.

“we didn’t succeed,” laments kimmich

“This is one of the worst days for German football,” one journalist vaguely admitted in English in the mixed zone, quickly retreating as jubilant Paraguayan counterparts, adorned in Albirroja jerseys and flags, paraded past with beaming smiles. Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich, jaw clenched, faced the media, struggling to articulate the inexplicable.

« “It’s terrible,” the German captain confessed. “When I was a child, I watched the national team consistently reach World Cup semi-finals and finals. There were always great successes that influenced me. And that’s a joy we want to give to children and people back home. We didn’t succeed.” »

The Bayern Munich midfielder epitomized Germany’s struggles on Monday. Customarily a central midfielder, Kimmich was deployed in a hybrid role – not quite a central defender, not truly a right-back, nor a defensive midfielder. This positional ambiguity severely destabilized the team, particularly the right flank, where a struggling Leroy Sané received virtually no support when cornered by opponents.

Incomprehensible choices?

Against Paraguay’s tightly organized defense, the Germans were utterly ineffective. They created no significant chances in the first half, managed a header goal from Havertz after the break, and resorted to a few long balls and crosses into the box, but little else. Orlando Gill, the South American goalkeeper, was rarely tested. Even Julian Nagelsmann’s substitutions failed to alter the game’s trajectory.

The German coach, once hailed as a prodigy in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim in 2016, is now facing a barrage of criticism across Germany. This stems not only from the improbable result but also from his bewildering tactical decisions, such as introducing Goretzka at halftime or Woltemade late in the match. His selection of certain players for the trip to the United States, including Jonathan Tah, Leroy Sané, and even Manuel Neuer, has also drawn fire.

After initially retiring from international football, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper reversed his decision in recent weeks, and Nagelsmann opted to include him in the squad. This was despite Neuer being 40 years old, having a challenging season with the Bavarian club, and the impressive form of Oliver Baumann, who had been Germany’s convincing starting goalkeeper. “Neuer was also part of the failures in 2018 and 2022, having been selected at the last minute,” a journalist named Frank Hellman stated before the match. “It’s a big mistake to have brought him.”

« “And that’s something that disrupted the group,” he asserted. “While the Bayern players supported his return to the national team, others were far less enthusiastic. Manuel Neuer wasn’t even among the top six goalkeepers in the Bundesliga this season. We won’t go far in the World Cup with him.” »

Is julian nagelsmann’s position threatened?

Frank Hellman’s foresight proved accurate, even if Manuel Neuer delivered a respectable performance, making two crucial saves and, notably, stopping Paraguay’s fifth penalty to reignite the drama – ultimately in vain. Beyond Neuer, Sané, or Tah, it is Nagelsmann himself who is increasingly drawing ire. Following the humiliating defeat in Boston, the coach was inevitably questioned about his future. His response offered little clarity:

« “I’m not one to run away. This isn’t the first time we’ve experienced this kind of tournament. There are things that need to change one way or another, but now is not the time to discuss it. If the Federation wants me to continue, I will continue. And if they don’t, they can tell me. I know how football works. There are probably many people who would prefer that I don’t continue.” »

Despite a heated exchange with a German journalist after the match, Nagelsmann did receive support from his captain, Joshua Kimmich, who he also coached at Bayern Munich: “I think Germans need something to be proud of right now. Unfortunately, it’s not the national team. We, the players on the field, made mistakes, and we take responsibility for them. It wasn’t the coach, it wasn’t the media, it wasn’t the referee, it wasn’t the opponent. It was us.” Meanwhile, France (or Sweden, let’s not get ahead of ourselves) must be relishing this outcome.