The game is over. And with it, the end of the World Cup dream for the German team. That the match against Paraguay in the round of sixteen would be lost after a penalty shootout drama was probably not on the radar of even the biggest soccer pessimists. All the more stunned were some German celebrities who are known for their love of soccer.
Among them, Oliver Pocher (48). Even the comedian, who usually never shies away from a biting below-the-belt comment, was at a loss for words right after the final whistle: "Yeah wow", he begins in a reaction video on his Instagram channel. "We're out, the World Cup is over." He repeatedly tries to comment on what he saw but keeps breaking off mid-sentence. His prediction: "Actually, Julian Nagelsmann can now step up and say: 'That's it'".
His good buddy and podcast colleague Pietro Lombardi (34) posted only the 4:5 final score of the game in the night to Tuesday and wrote: "Simply sad".
Criticism of the referee
Heidi Klum's (53) son Henry (20) meanwhile even suspects a conspiracy in his Instagram story: "Someone should check the referee", he wrote alongside a picture of his disappointed face. What he means by this: In extra time, Germany had actually scored to make it 2:1. However, Jonathan Tah's goal was disallowed by Moroccan referee Jala Jayed - because of minimal contact between a German player and the opposing goalkeeper.
The basic tenor running through celebrity reactions and national as well as international press: Not much remains of the German national team's aura as a feared tournament side. And a lot of work awaits the national coach - whoever that will be.
For Germany, the World Cup journey is over before it could really begin. Paraguay will now face either tournament favorite France or Sweden in the round of sixteen.
