‘Hero or zero’: Zlatan reacts to Germany’s penalty shootout heartbreak at World Cup

Germany’s World Cup struggles deepened after another early exit, with the four-time champions failing to make a significant impact at the tournament for the third consecutive edition.

Since winning the title in 2014, Germany have struggled to rediscover the dominance and consistency that once made them one of football’s strongest teams. Their latest setback came against Paraguay, where a dramatic Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 after extra time before Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.

The Germans failed to handle the pressure from the spot, while Paraguay stayed composed to secure a historic place in the Round of 16.

Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimović said Germany’s elimination showed the ruthless nature of knockout football, where missed chances can prove costly. He praised Paraguay’s defensive discipline and goalkeeper Orlando Gill’s performance, saying penalty shootouts leave no team as a clear favourite.

“This is the game. Win or lose. There’s no second chance like you have in the group stage… when it comes to penalties, 50/50, there is no favourite,” Zlatan said on Fox Sports.

Paraguay took the lead through Julio Enciso in the first half in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised after the break to keep Germany alive.

Germany pushed for a winner in extra time and looked the stronger side, but a potential decisive goal from Jonathan Tah was ruled out. The match went to penalties, where Paraguay won 4-3.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill became Paraguay’s hero after making two crucial saves, sending his team through and leaving Germany with another painful World Cup disappointment.

Zlatan sympathises with Tah

Zlatan also expressed sympathy for Tah, whose night changed dramatically from possible hero to the player facing criticism after missing a penalty.

He said football can quickly turn a player’s fortunes and that mental strength is essential after such moments.

“I’m sorry for Tah. He scored the winning goal, but they took it away from him and then he missed a penalty. It’s from hero to being criticised by the media, so this is the game. You need to be mentally strong and keep going,” Zlatan said.

The defeat means Germany’s wait to return to their former World Cup glory continues, with the once-feared “German machine” heading home earlier than expected once again.