Poliquin: Germany is used to coming home from the World Cup - and there is no longer a trace of the 'German machine'

Former Russian footballer Dmitry Polikin commented on the German national team's exit from the 2026 World Cup, as the round of 16 match took place on Monday, June 29. The German team lost to Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

“I watched the Germany-Paraguay match before extra time and I was in shock,” said Poliquin. “The next morning, I saw the summary of the match and I understood that there was a surprise and that Germany had gone home. Although it is nothing new for them, this is not the first World Cup where this has happened. Every time they have new hopes, and they always remember the German machine when they won the tournament. But now, there is nothing like that, even though they have to beat Paraguay.

There can be a lot of talk about the referees, but the result is clear - Germany has come home. This is the first surprise in this World Cup. Coaches are always evaluated based on results. Nagelsmann can talk all he wants about how he is building football, but without results, he will be sacked.

The German Chancellor said that he was satisfied with the players, and that they performed well. But I see it differently, they did not achieve the goals set by the German Football Association. Being eliminated from the group is the minimum for them, and they should have reached the semi-finals. For me, it is strange that someone is satisfied with such results for the German national team.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The Argentine national team is the current title holder.