FIFA has defended the decision to disallow Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay in their World Cup last-32 tie, insisting coaches and players had been warned that such incidents would be punished.
Jonathan Tah briefly believed he had put Germany 2-1 ahead in extra time, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review by referee Jalal Jayed. Officials judged that Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
The match finished 1-1, with Paraguay going on to win 4-3 on penalties. Tah later missed his spot-kick, sending his effort over the bar and allowing Jose Canale to convert the decisive penalty.
The defeat marked Germany’s first-ever World Cup shootout loss.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann criticised the decision after the match, calling the disallowed goal “a joke” and arguing that the contact did not amount to a foul.
FIFA’s head of referees Pierluigi Collina defended the ruling, saying officials had been instructed to penalise players who obstruct opponents without attempting to play the ball, particularly in situations involving goalkeepers.
“Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene,” Collina said.
He added that teams had been informed of the interpretation before the tournament.
“This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal.
“Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls.”
Paraguay now face France in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
