Germany’s extra-time World Cup goal vs Paraguay ruled out after ‘pathetic’ VAR call before they are dumped out on pens

GERMANY had a crucial World Cup goal controversially ruled out by VAR – before being dumped out on penalties. And Alan Shearer slammed the decision as “pathetic”. Jonathan Tah thought he had headed the four-time champions in front in the first half of extra-time against Paraguay. But after the celebrations, the referee was called to the pitchside monitor to take a second look. And replays showed Waldemar Anton bundled into Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Gill somewhat theatrically fell to the floor and then quickly got back to his feet but could not react in time to save Tah’s effort. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP However, the referee decided Anton fouled Gill and ruled out the goal. Peter Schmeichel joined Shearer’s “pathetic” judgement by insisting, even as a former goalkeeper, it was not enough to warrant a Paraguay free-kick. And football fans flooded social media in agreement as they blasted the call – with plenty of comparisons to Arsenal’s set-pieces. One said: “Chalked off for a foul on the keeper! No Arsenal tactics in this World Cup!!” Most read in Football WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are here, with many big sides still in the hunt for global glory. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought for the nation. But powerhouse nations like France, Spain, Brazil and Germany are all serious contenders for the biggest prize in sport. Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are showing no signs of slowing down, on what looks to be the pair’s final World Cup. LATEST NEWS - South Africa 0 Canada 1 – Stunning winner sends co-hosts through - Birthday boy Bellingham ready to conquer Congo in last-32 - Jesse Marsch has to be restrained after controversial penalty call - South Korea boss RESIGNS after group stage exit - Ronaldo DITCHES £242 limited edition boots after just 45 minutes KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. CLICK ON PIC FOR STAR’S PROFILE Another added: “Scandalous Germany decision for a disallowed goal, never ever a foul on the goalkeeper in my opinion.” A third wrote: “If referees in England disallowed goals for this – Germany disallowed goal vs Paraguay – then Arsenal wouldn’t have won the title. Controversial call.” A fourth fumed: “Both the referee and VAR officials should be ashamed for disallowing this Jonathan Tah goal for Germany. This World Cup officiating has been very poor.” And a final user typed: “One of the softest VAR decisions you’ll ever see. An incredibly harsh decision. Germany can feel very hard done by.” Ironically, Germany had benefited from an even more shocking VAR call in their group defeat against Ecuador when their early goal was allowed to stand despite a blatant kick to the head. But Tah’s luck went from bad to worse. After Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade saw efforts saved in the shootout, before Germany pegged it back, Tah blazed his first career penalty sailing over the bar. And Jose Canale made Germany pay by blasting in the winning effort – the Europeans’ first-ever World Cup shootout defeat.