Germany was eliminated from the World Cup in Boston after losing to Paraguay on penalties, a result that intensified debate about the national team's decline.The match finished 1-1 and Paraguay won the shootout 4-3, increasing scrutiny on Julian Nagelsmann and questions about Germany's loss of physical dominance and tournament resilience.Commentators such as
Ilja Behnisch and outlets including
ESPN and
Der Spiegel criticized the enlarged tournament format and the team's lack of joy, prompting calls for structural reform of youth development and selection.