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Zlatan Ibrahimovic Defends Jonathan Tah Despite Fierce Backlash Following Germany's World Cup Loss
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- Zlatan Ibrahimovic Defends Jonathan Tah Despite Fierce Backlash Following Germany's World Cup Loss
Germany's heartbreaking exit from the 2026 World Cup has placed Jonathan Tah at the center of intense criticism after the defender endured a night that swung from jubilation to despair.
But while many fans have pointed fingers at the Bayer Leverkusen center-back, former Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic urged fans not to single him out following Germany's Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay.
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Tah appeared to have become Germany's hero when he headed home what looked to be the winning goal in extra time against Paraguay. However, the strike was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the buildup, and the match eventually went to penalties.
The 29-year-old's difficult evening got even worse when he missed Germany's decisive penalty, sealing a 4-3 shootout defeat after a 1-1 draw and sending Paraguay into the Round of 16. That made Tah one of the main targets of heavy criticism on social media following Germany's elimination.
2026 World Cup, Germany vs. Paraguay, Knockout Stage, Round of 32: Nathaniel Brown, Jamal Musiala, Malick Thiaw, Waldemar Anton and Jonathan Tah react with disappointment after the match. Germany loses in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Zlatan Calls Penalty Shootouts a 'Lottery'
Analyzing the match on FOX Sports, Ibrahimovic praised Paraguay's disciplined defending and outstanding goalkeeping while insisting there is no clear favorite once a knockout match reaches penalties.
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"This is the game. Win or lose. There's no second chance like you have in the group stage and if you don't score those goals, they had great opportunities to score."
He also credited Paraguay for frustrating Germany throughout the match. "The goalie of Paraguay might have had a game of his life... Paraguay is solid, defending good and keeping that box tight. Germany pushing, the Deutsche machine pushing, pushing, great chances."
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Ibrahimovic went on to describe penalty shootouts as football's ultimate gamble."This is lottery. Penalties, it's like you're a hero or you're zero."
Zlatan shared the harsh reality of knockout football, where a single missed penalty can completely change the narrative surrounding a player.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
