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VAR Heartbreak as Germany Crash Out: World Cup Drama Dominates Knockout Day
Germany's World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion after a controversial VAR intervention ruled out what appeared to be a winning goal against Paraguay. As the knockout stage gathered pace, debate over the use of video technology once again overshadowed the football itself.
The Ref’s News · 30 June 2026
The FIFA World Cup knockout stage delivered another unforgettable day of football yesterday, but while several nations celebrated progression, Germany's campaign ended in bitter controversy following one of the most debated VAR decisions of the tournament.
The Round of 32 produced drama across the board, with fine margins once again proving decisive, but it was Germany's encounter with Paraguay that dominated the headlines long after the final whistle. A match packed with intensity, resilience and quality ultimately became defined by a single decision from the Video Assistant Referee.
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