FIFA explains disallowed Jonathan Tah goal after Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann calls decision a ‘scandal’

Tah headed home in the 12th minute of extra time to put Germany 2-1 up against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, but the goal was ruled out by VAR after Waldemar Anton was judged to have impeded goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

The last-32 game ended 1-1, with Germany going on to lose 4-3 on penalties after Tah fired his spot-kick over the bar. 

Germany boss Nagelsmann was shown a yellow card for his protests as the effort was chalked off.

But Collina explained that officials have been told to punish incidents when players try to block opponents without making an attempt to play the ball, especially when goalkeepers are involved.

Collina explained: "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.

"This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal.

"Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls."

Speaking to ZDF, Nagelsmann labelled Tah’s disallowed goal as a ”scandal”.

"At some point, I think we had six or seven players above 6ft 2in on the pitch too and had 11 or 12 corners,” Nagelsmann explained.

”We then score a goal from the latter which is a scandal as the referee blows his whistle to disallow it. I have no idea what he saw there. It's truly a joke.

"But that's how it is, it's pointless to dwell on. We still have to settle and handle the game beforehand, and handle it differently, and we didn't manage to do that."

After being shown a replay during the interview, Nagelsmann added: "I'm seeing it again right now. It's not just a scandal, it's an absolute scandal. That is not even remotely a foul."

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp told German broadcaster MagentaTV: "If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions. They've scored 60% of their goals that way.

"We [Germany] win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal."

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.