Klinsmann. [Reuters]
Klinsmann. [Reuters]

Jurgen Klinsmann, who once managed the South Korean national team, expressed deep dismay at Germany's elimination from the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

Speaking to ESPN on Monday (Korean Standard Time), Klinsmann said it was "a really sad day for everyone in Germany" and that he had not expected the team to go out at the round of 32. "The way the elimination happened is very disappointing," he added.

"The team didn't seem ready to dominate for 120 minutes," Klinsmann said. "They lacked the energy, the determination and the aggression to beat Paraguay. And at the very end, they looked completely unprepared for the penalty shootout. It's unbelievable."

He said the result was "just as horrific as what happened in Russia eight years ago and in Qatar four years ago," warning that Germany now faces "an incredibly difficult situation."

Germany drew 1-1 with Paraguay after extra time in their round-of-32 match at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, then lost 4-3 on penalties to crash out of the tournament.

Germany was eliminated in the group stage at the 2018 Russia World Cup after losing to South Korea, and again failed to advance past the group stage at the 2022 Qatar World Cup after being edged out by Japan. At this tournament, the team had started well with two wins and one loss in the group stage, only to suffer an unexpected defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32.

Meanwhile, Klinsmann — who as a player helped Germany win the 1990 World Cup in Italy — has struggled to live up to his reputation as a manager.

He drew criticism for tactical shortcomings and poor preparation during his stints with the German national team and FC Bayern Munich. His tenure as South Korea's head coach, which began in 2023, proved particularly troubled: he was sacked in less than a year amid controversy over his work ethic and his handling of the squad at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, and he has remained without a club since.


min3654@heraldcorp.com