FIFA has clarified the reasoning behind the disallowance of Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay during their recent World Cup match. The decision came after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), which determined that a foul had occurred involving German player Waldemar Anton and Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Controversial Disallowance

Germany's Jonathan Tah believed he had scored to give his team a 2-1 lead, but the goal was ruled out due to the foul. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Paraguay triumphed 4-3. This marked Germany's first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout, with Tah missing his penalty kick, which allowed Paraguay's Jose Canale to secure the victory.

FIFA's Explanation

Following the match, Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his frustration, stating, "In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed." However, Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of FIFA's referees committee, emphasized that players and coaches had been informed prior to the tournament that referees would penalize players who obstruct opponents without attempting to play the ball, particularly in situations involving goalkeepers.

Collina elaborated that while maintaining position is not inherently a foul, if an attacking player intentionally obstructs an opponent's movement without interest in the ball, referees are expected to intervene. He reiterated that this directive was communicated to all teams, indicating that the decision should not have come as a surprise.

Paraguay will advance to face two-time champions France in the last 16, scheduled for Saturday in Philadelphia.