Jurgen Klopp has taken aim at Arsenal after Germany had a goal controversially ruled out during their World Cup last-32 defeat to Paraguay. The former Liverpool manager suggested that 60 percent of Arsenal's goals are scored in similar fashion.
Germany's shock exit
In a stunning upset in Boston, Paraguay defeated Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Julio Enciso put the underdogs ahead just before half-time, with Kai Havertz equalising in the 54th minute. Paraguay defended resolutely, while Germany struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match.
However, deep into extra time, Jonathan Tah headed what appeared to be the winner for Germany. But after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, with Waldemar Anton adjudged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Replays showed contact between Anton and Gill, but the goalkeeper appeared to go down easily in a crowded penalty area.
Klopp's criticism
Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp said: 'If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions. They've scored 60 percent of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.'
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also expressed surprise at the decision. Speaking on the BBC, Cann said: 'This is soft in my opinion. But judging by what we've seen in the tournament so far, it wouldn't surprise me if they do rule it out. We've seen two or three goals ruled out for very small offences. This is hardly anything, it's a small block on the goalkeeper, but for me it's not enough but I suspect they will be ruling this out.'
Penalty shootout drama
After the disallowed goal, the match went to a penalty shootout. Paraguay goalkeeper saved efforts from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena both missed to level the shootout at 3-3. Tah then blazed his penalty over the bar, and Jose Canale scored the winner for Paraguay.
It was the first time Germany had lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup. Klopp lamented his country's inability to find a way to win. 'There are worse things than defeats in sports. But there was only one goal, one dream, and that has been shattered. It was dramatic. There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one,' he said.
What's next
Paraguay progress to the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden.
