GERMAN Football In Turmoil: Nagelsmann & Goretzka Sacked As National Team Face Backlash Over Penalty Refusal

Germany's round of 32 exit has sent shockwaves through the German footballing fraternity. The blame has fallen squarely on the senior players and the German head coach, Julian Nagelsmann. The controversy started after there was a huge ruckus on the touchline as the four-time world champion scrambled for penalty takers against Paraguay.

According to a report by Touchline, the Bayern Munich midfielder, who has been part of the national side since 2014, has been an utter disappointment to the National team. The Bayern Munich midfielder was criticised for not being decisive during the crunch moment. As per Touchline, the final decision was made in a meeting of the German National team board at Frankfurt.

Julian Nagelsmann Sacked As Germany Head Coach

In a related development, Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, is reportedly sacked after losing his job following the national team's disappointing FIFA World Cup Round of 32 exit to Paraguay.

According to the German newspaper, Bild, the report claims the German Football Association is considering a managerial change, with former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp emerging as the leading candidate to replace the 38-year-old if a decision is made.

Inside Leon Goretzka's Penalty Kick Saga

According to a report by the German newspaper Bild, Jonathan Tah stepped forward to take Germany's sixth penalty only after four teammates were unwilling to shoulder the responsibility in the sudden-death shootout. Leon Goretzka, Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, and Malick Thiaw reportedly showed hesitation when asked to take a spot-kick.

The most surprising refusal came from Goretzka. The 72-cap Germany international, who left Bayern Munich at the end of the 2025-26 season, was reportedly asked twice by captain Joshua Kimmich to take a penalty but declined on both occasions.

Germany ultimately paid the price, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all missing their penalties as the four-time world champions crashed out of the FIFA World Cup before the Round of 16 for the third consecutive tournament.