Contentious Scuffle Among Referees Following Germany's Financial Defeat Against France
Revamped Recap:
Fallen Short for Germany in Nations League Finals
Germany's dream of securing a top-three finish in the Nations League finals crumbled as they faced back-to-back losses. The hosts, who were gunning for a spot in the final against Portugal, were left disheartened after a 0:2 defeat against France in the third-place match. The match at Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Arena saw a packed crowd of 51,313, but the overall mood was somber, given the disappointing outcome.
Julian Nagelsmann, the German coach, showed mixed feelings about the game. Although his team managed a relatively engaging performance, the results remained the same – yet another defeat. Nagelsmann's disappointment following the Portugal match paled in comparison to the frustration he felt after the French loss. In the days leading up to the game, Nagelsmann had said he'd prefer a top-notch performance and fourth place over a mediocre one and third place. Despite not quite meeting that mark, his team gave it their all for much of the match.
Refereemost Maddening: Ivan Kruzilak
The bitter taste of defeat was surpassed by the annoyance caused by referee Ivan Kruzilak. The Slovak referee sparked anger amongst both the German players and fans with two questionable decisions against the team.
As for other topics in this week's MOPO (available at newsstands everywhere), here are a few highlights:
- Olympic Plan: Analyzing the pros and cons of a certain plan for the upcoming Olympics
- Integration Issues: A family's struggle with finding a home in Hamburg
- St. Nikolai: Fascinating images showcasing the once tallest building in the world
- Organ Donation: A 21-year-old's tale of second chances thanks to her father's selflessness
- Puzzles: Engaging daily puzzles for a brain workout
- Sports: Insights into HSV's new signing, Uwe's grandson's million-dollar problem, and St. Pauli's rebuilding squad
- Plan7: Updates on the Beatles musical, Melissa Etheridge's thoughts on the fear fueled by Trump, and daily culture tips
Scrutinized Decisions and Overturned Goals
The 31st and 53rd minutes saw two controversial decisions by referee Kruzilak that enraged the German team. In the 31st, after a video review spanning nearly four minutes, Kruzilak overturned an initial penalty kick decision against France, deeming it a dive. As a result, Adeyemi received a yellow card instead. By the 53rd minute, Germany had reason to celebrate after Füllkrug blocked Rabiot, leading to Undav scoring from outside the box, making it 1-1. However, the goal was promptly disallowed thanks to another video review, with Kruzilak arguing that Füllkrug had committed a foul.
Mbappé Takes Advantage of Germany's Missed Chances
In the end, it was Kylian Mbappé who capitalized on Germany's missed opportunities. Early on, multiple players – including Woltemade and Groß, Füllkrug, Adeyemi, Wirtz, and even Woltemade again – missed their chances to score against France. Mbappé ultimately sneaked one past Germany just before halftime, leaving keeper ter Stegen powerless to prevent the goal. Although ter Stegen made some impressive saves later in the game, he could do nothing to stop Mbappé after Koch's costly error, which led to Mbappé setting up Olise for the 0:2 goal in the 84th minute.
Onward to World Cup Qualifiers
With the World Cup qualifiers looming in September – specifically against Slovakia and Northern Ireland – Nagelsmann and his team have plenty of work ahead. The euphoria surrounding the German national team has subsided a year before the tournament kicks off.
Germany's Lineup:Ter Stegen – Kimmich, Koch, Tah, Raum (65. Mittelstädt) – Gross (73. Kehrer), Goretzka (65. Bischof) – Adeyemi (78. Gnabry), Woltemade (46. Undav), Wirtz – Füllkrug
In the world of sports, despite Germany's valiant efforts, they were unable to secure a spot in the Champions League, missing the European leagues this season. As tragic as their defeat in the Nations League finals was, it wasreferee Ivan Kruzilak's questionable decisions that left an even more sour taste.
