The German national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the World Cup against Paraguay. The team, led by head coach Julian Nagelsmann, lost 3–4 in a penalty shootout. Four FC Bayern players are in the starting lineup—including prospective new signing Nathaniel Brown. Jamal Musiala does not start; Deniz Undav starts in his place. Leon Goretzka also comes off the bench. The Bayern stars in the FCBinside individual player ratings.
Manuel Neuer: Thwarted a chance right at the start of the game from close range following a corner kick. Made a good save after Kimmich created danger with a wild backpass. In the penalty shootout, Neuer saved one penalty, but that wasn’t enough, given Paraguay’s other missed shot. Grade: 3.
Joshua Kimmich: Had a chance from a good position shortly before the halftime whistle but could only manage a harmless shot. Otherwise, he played a few poorly timed crosses from midfield as well as numerous lackluster corner kicks. Early in the second half, Kimmich put Neuer in a tight spot with a dangerous back pass. After Pavlovic was substituted, Kimmich moved from right back to midfield. At least he scored in the penalty shootout. Still, that wasn’t enough from the German captain. Grade: 5.
Jonathan Tah: Played flawlessly at the back and occasionally joined the attack. Such as on his supposed header goal to make it 2–1 in extra time off a Brown corner—but the goal was disallowed due to an alleged foul by Anton on the goalkeeper. The Bayern defender missed Germany’s final penalty kick, making Tah the tragic figure of the match. Grade: 4.
Aleksandar Pavlovic: Leading up to the 0–1 goal, Pavlovic turned away and was outmaneuvered. That was really poor defending. Pavlovic made a few errant passes and had some poor ball control. He was substituted in the 79th minute. Poor performance. Grade: 5.
Player to watch:
Nathaniel Brown: Bayern will sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt. Before the 0-1 goal, he manned the left flank alongside Pavlovic but didn’t press the crosser effectively enough. Brown didn’t accomplish anything going forward. His corner kick to Tah in extra time was good, but the goal wasn’t allowed. A lackluster performance. Grade: 5.
Substitutes:
Leon Goretzka (46’ for Nmecha): Nagelsmann brought him on to add physicality to the game in exactly these kinds of matches. However, Goretzka contributed absolutely nothing after coming on. Grade: 5.
Jamal Musiala (63′ for Undav): Brought a breath of fresh air after coming on. Musiala gave it his all, especially in extra time. Converted his penalty kick. Grade: 3.