A congratulatory message that backfired: Following the German national team's surprisingly early World Cup exit, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (70) cheered on the DFB team on his X account, triggering a wave of mockery and head-shaking. The Chancellor has now responded to the criticism.

Germany was eliminated in the round of sixteen by underdogs Paraguay in the early hours of Tuesday morning. After a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, national coach Nagelsmann's team lost the penalty shootout 4-3. A controversial scene in extra time caused additional frustration: Referee Jalal Jayed disallowed an apparent 2-1 goal by Jonathan Tah (30).

Despite the lackluster performance, Merz struck an enthusiastic tone. "Even though the elimination hurts: What a game, @DFB_Team! With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup, you have inspired our country. We are proud of you", wrote the CDU politician. Many people on the internet then wondered whether the Chancellor had watched the same game - the phrase "Which game" quickly became a trend on X.

Mockery from politicians

Political rivals also took jabs. "I don't even know what was worse. The game or this analysis", wrote FDP Member of European Parliament Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann on X about Merz's message. Sevim Dağdelen from the BSW federal executive board diagnosed "a loss of reality at chancellor level. Just like with his policies".

The Chancellor was undeterred by the backlash and doubled down on Tuesday afternoon. "We celebrate successes together. And in defeat we stand together. That's what makes us strong. Those who wear the eagle on their chest deserve our support, not our mockery", he wrote on X.

TV experts' verdict after the World Cup exit was more critical. MagentaTV expert Mats Hummels called for consequences: "On the leadership side, it's crying out for consequences. That must be addressed, both by the national coach himself and by the federation." ZDF expert Christian Streich agreed: "The coach must question himself - and so must the players. What I saw from some of them was not enough. From the coach either." Per Mertesacker became even more fundamental: "We played against the weakest team in the group stage. The great soccer nation of Germany needs to take a look around."

Athletically, the result fits into a sobering series: For the third consecutive time, the DFB missed the quarterfinals of a World Cup. In 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar, the team had already been eliminated in the group stage. Germany won its last World Cup title twelve years ago in Rio de Janeiro.