FIFA has defended the controversial decision to disallow Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay, insisting referees had been instructed before the World Cup to penalise players who deliberately block opponents, particularly goalkeepers.
Germany thought they had taken a 2-1 lead in the Round of 32 when Jonathan Tah headed home during extra time. However, after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, referee Jalal Jayed ruled out the goal after determining that defender Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
The match remained level at 1-1 before Paraguay claimed a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout. Tah, whose goal had earlier been disallowed, missed Germany’s decisive penalty by firing over the crossbar.
FIFA clarifies refereeing directive
Germany’s exit sparked widespread debate, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann strongly criticising the decision after the match.
“In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed,” Nagelsmann said.
FIFA’s head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, responded by explaining that officials had received clear instructions before the tournament regarding incidents involving attacking players obstructing defenders or goalkeepers.
“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,” Collina said.
“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.”
VAR call continues to divide opinion
Despite FIFA’s explanation, the decision has continued to divide opinion among pundits and supporters.
Football analysts questioned whether Anton had actually moved into Gill or whether the Paraguay goalkeeper initiated the contact himself while attempting to reach the ball.
The incident also raised fresh debate over VAR’s threshold for intervention, with critics arguing the contact did not amount to a clear and obvious error that warranted overturning the on-field decision.
Former referee and football analyst Dale Johnson noted that blocking had been highlighted by Collina before the tournament as an area of focus.
However, he suggested the intervention still appeared harsh.
“If anything, it is the goalkeeper who moves into the Germany player, who did not alter his position. The contact between them was a consequence of that,” Johnson said.
He also questioned whether Gill had genuinely been prevented from making a save and whether the incident met VAR’s standard for overturning a decision.
Paraguay march on as Germany bow out
The controversial decision ultimately proved decisive as Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.
Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to seal a famous victory and book a place in the last 16, where they will face two-time world champions France in Philadelphia on Saturday.
For Germany, meanwhile, the defeat has intensified scrutiny over Nagelsmann’s future after another disappointing World Cup campaign.
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