World: World Cup
FULL TIME
AFTER PENALTIES
3 - 4
(1 - 1)(0 - 1)
Germany
Paraguay
K. Havertz (54)
J. Enciso (42)
By Ultan Corcoran@UltanCorcoran

Gündogan takes aim at disallowed Tah goal: "What the hell was that VAR decision?"

The 82-cap retired international felt VAR was not Germany's friend amid a dire performance in their Round of 32 elimination to Paraguay.
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Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images.

In the aftermath of Germany's heart-breaking 2026 World Cup exit on penalties at the hands of Paraguay, German stars of previous years have started to digest the unsatisfactory result. 

One such name familiar with Germany fans is that of Ilkay Gündogan, who felt the outcome was merited but was left dismayed by the VAR decision to override Jonathan Tah's goal.

“That team performance definitely doesn't need any sugarcoating,” the former German international said on X/Twitter after the game before continuing:

“But what the hell was that VAR [video assistant referee] decision? In the Premier League, they would just give a weary smile over something like that - especially taking back a decision.”

The incident unfolded in the first period of extra time as Waldemar Anton appeared to loosely obstruct the Paraguay goalkeeper before Tah headed home at the back post. 

Regardless, Gündogan still attributed the blame of their exit on German shoulders: “Of course, it's brutally disappointing. Unfortunately, we failed to convince over 120 minutes”. 
 

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