Listen to what Chancellor Merz said after Germany's embarrassment at the World Cup.

Germany's national football team suffered yet another early exit from the World Cup after losing to Paraguay in the round of 16, marking the third consecutive tournament where they failed to advance beyond the group stage. This outcome has sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offering strong support to the players despite their failure on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Merz had previously expressed his backing for the team before the tournament began, engaging in discussions with the players and coaching staff. Following Germany's defeat against Paraguay, he once again stood by the squad, acknowledging their efforts and spirit even though the result was disappointing. On his official social media account, Merz posted, “Even if the elimination hurts: What a match! Your dedication and team spirit have thrilled our country. We are proud of you.” His message aimed to reassure the players and fans alike, emphasizing pride in their performance rather than focusing solely on the loss.

The match between Germany and Paraguay ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Paraguay emerging victorious in the penalty shootout 4-3. This marked the end of Germany's campaign at the World Cup, continuing a trend of early exits since the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The team, which won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, now faces its third consecutive premature departure from the competition. The disappointment is particularly acute given the high expectations placed upon them as one of the traditional powerhouses of international football.

Domestic media responses were varied. While Merz offered a supportive stance, other outlets took a more critical approach. *Sportschau* reminded readers of previous early exits in 2018 and 2022, suggesting that this latest defeat might feel especially painful due to the stage of the tournament. *Süddeutsche Zeitung* described the loss as more distressing than past failures, noting that being eliminated in the quarterfinals—especially against Paraguay—was unexpected. *BILD*, known for its harsh criticism, labeled the team's performance as slow, dull, and lethargic, pointing out a lack of energy and creativity throughout the game.

International coverage was similarly unforgiving. Spanish outlet *Marca* remarked that Germany had little left to offer, even in the penalty shootout. *Mundo Deportivo* called the elimination the first major surprise of the World Cup and the third consecutive disappointment for a four-time champion. Italian newspaper *Gazzetta dello Sport* acknowledged some progress compared to earlier tournaments but noted that Germany still fell short of expectations when facing Paraguay, who played with great heart and determination. French publication *L'Équipe* went further, declaring Germany's defeat the most surprising result so far in the tournament.

Despite the widespread criticism, there remains a sense of hope among supporters that the team can bounce back. The current campaign, while ending prematurely, did show signs of improvement over previous years. However, the pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann and the players will undoubtedly increase ahead of future competitions. With the World Cup cycle coming to an end, attention will shift toward rebuilding the squad and addressing the underlying issues that led to such a swift exit.

As the dust settles on this latest setback, the focus will likely turn to analyzing what went wrong and how Germany can regain its former dominance in international football. The upcoming European Championship and subsequent World Cups will provide opportunities for redemption, but for now, the nation must grapple with the reality of a team that has struggled to meet the lofty expectations placed upon it.