FIFA have released a statement after Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann described a controversial VAR call as a ‘scandal’ during his side’s penalty shootout loss to Paraguay on Monday evening. Die Mannschaft are still struggling to get back on track in recent years, and a World Cup Round of 32 exit once again shocked the nation as Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah failed to convert from the spot.

The latter, however, is still wondering how his late goal during extra time didn’t help the Germans progress. Tah rose highest to glance a headed winner into the back of the net in the 12th minute, but after the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the goal, defender Waldemar Anton was deemed to have impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

After the four-time winners were knocked out on penalties for the first time in their history, Nagelsmann looked back at the controversial call and labelled the decision to overturn it as a “scandal”. In response, FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina issued an explanation for the call.

FIFA Release Statement Explaining Germany’s Disallowed Winner vs Paraguay

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Winslow Townson

Via a FIFA statement, Collina said (watch the incident below): “Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene.”

Jurgen Klopp came out after the match and made a dig about how Arsenal would have gotten away with a goal like Germany’s, proving there’s a grey area between the rules for countries and clubs. While the ‘obstruction’ seems soft, though, the rules were followed appropriately by the referees.

Germany Only Have Themselves to Blame

REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Nagelsmann can cry wolf all he wants, but the fact is that Germany can only blame themselves for another wretched tournament this summer. Monday was their first knockout game since the final in Brazil in 2014, when the Germans beat Argentina 1-0 to capture their fourth World Cup title.

The Germans were eliminated from the group stage at the past two World Cup tournaments, while Euro 2024 saw them knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Spain – the first time they had come up against one of the favourites of the tournament. It’s a sombre reality that they just aren’t as good as they used to be.

While this current squad has all the attacking ability, the togetherness of the dressing room seems worlds apart from the well-oiled machines of yesteryear. Nobody can quite be sure why that’s the case, but Nagelsmann’s constant fury on the touchline might be a good indicator.

Everton have been exploring the possibility of signing an Arsenal star this summer, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, as they ramp up efforts to improve their forward lines.

The Toffees have been hard at work to land some new options for David Moyes, with Hayden Hackney set to join from Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £25 million.

While he will improve the midfield, he is likely to be joined by Tyrique George, who is set to make his loan move from Chelsea permanent after the club agreed a fee below his original buyout clause in his deal.

Further additions could now follow up front, with Gabriel Jesus the latest to be linked with a move to Everton.

Everton Explore Gabriel Jesus Transfer

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Everton are now exploring a move for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus as the next option to bolster the squad’s forward options.

The Brazilian striker has entered the final 12 months under contract at the Emirates Stadium, and could leave this summer, if clubs match the asking price set by the Gunners.

It’s claimed that the Toffees are only looking into a deal as things stand, and it’s unclear whether that will result in a firm bid made for the serial winner.

Jesus was a transformative signing for Arsenal when he made the switch from Manchester City, reflected in his £265,000-a-week wages that made him one of the top earners at the club.

The versatile star largely played as a centre-forward and added a mixture of skill and physicality that had been lacking from the team up to that point.

Arsenal quickly became title challengers, and while they finally got a bid over the line last season, Jesus has seen his influence slowly dwindle over time.

That has mainly been due to injury issues and a general decline in form that has stemmed from it. Now, he could leave Arsenal, with Everton hopeful he could have the same impact on them if he does move to Merseyside.

Gabriel Jesus Is A Risky Transfer Prospect

While Gabriel Jesus could offer plenty of quality, there is a real risk that comes with such a transfer for Everton heading into this summer’s market.

The forward has consistently struggled with injury issues, meaning his impact will need to be greater in the moments that he will be available for.

So far, the signs at Arsenal have shown little to suggest he could do that. Add onto that the fact that he is nearing the latter end of his peak years, and may ask for strong wages, and it creates a nightmare situation for a club like Everton if the move doesn’t work out.

Switching to young talent for the future may bring a greater deal of promise as well as upward mobility in the league. It remains to be seen whether the club will go ahead with a deal for Jesus, but it could prove a risky one.

Tottenham will need to battle to keep hold of Luka Vuskovic this summer, as The Standard reports that a decision has been made on his future soon.

Recent reports claim that the defender has requested to leave Spurs, following an impressive campaign out on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old has skyrocketed in stature in recent years, but is yet to make his senior debut at Tottenham, and there are now doubts over whether that may come about at all.

With the recent signings in the backline, there is now huge competition for Vuskovic, who is set to consider his future with a decision in the coming days.

Luka Vuskovic Exit Decision

With uncertainty over the future of Vuskovic, The Standard reports that the defender’s future will be resolved after Croatia’s World Cup tournament comes to an end.

It’s claimed that the centre-back is now focused on his nation’s chances in the competition, and will then look to resolve his future with Tottenham after an exit is confirmed.

Croatia take on Portugal in the round of 32, with Vuskovic featuring in one of the three games they’ve played so far, with hopes that he can still contribute in the coming clash.

Should the previous finalists lose in the next match, then Tottenham could reach a decision with the 19-year-old in the next few days.

Vuskovic has been the subject of interest from Brighton, who have made two bids for the star so far, without any luck in being able to persuade Spurs to part ways with the youngster.

Reports stated that Vuskovic has asked to leave Tottenham, but so far there has been no movement in terms of an exit, with his return to the club likely to spark discussions over his future.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs can talk the defender round to staying, or whether he will stick with his decision to leave the club in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Must Convince Vuskovic To Stay

Vuskovic is clearly a talented player, having broken through in a position that is typically difficult to play in at such a young age.

It’s reasonable that, having made such an explosive start to his senior career, the defender is looking to keep that momentum up with another transfer.

Tottenham may find it difficult to provide the minutes he needs, given the competition around him and the requirement to win games from the start.

That said, at 19, Spurs need to provide a vision of a pathway that he can go on to keep him. The club have bought into these youngsters with the idea of them developing into superstars.

To cash in on Vuskovic at this stage would be to pull out of that plan without seeing it through to completion. Given his long contract, there is a chance to keep hold of him for the long-term future.

It remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites can do that, with a big few days ahead.