Kai Havertz has apologised to his Germany team-mates after missing a penalty in the shootout defeat to Paraguay, which saw his nation crash out of the World Cup.
Germany had never previously lost a World Cup shootout, but fell to a thrilling South American side, who took the lead in normal time and then defended manfully to take the game to spot-kicks after Havertz’s equalising goal.
Jonathan Tah had a goal controversially disallowed in extra-time by VAR for a foul Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill by Waldemar Anton. Bayern Munich defender Tah would go on to miss the crucial penalty, skying over the bar before fellow defender Jose Canale thumped home to seal a 4-3 win the shootout.
Havertz and Nick Woltemade both also missed for Germany, though were saved by veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer making a crucial save to force sudden death. Tah then missed the target and Canale settled it.
Arsenal’s Havertz was left stunned after the game, telling reporters: “I’m a little lost for words. This is my second World Cup and both times it came to nothing.
“All I can do is apologise.
“We have to take a hard look at ourselves, especially the players, and I’m leaving the coach out of that.”
Germany’s World Cup exit comes less than a month after Havertz suffered a cruel Champions League final loss, which also came via the lottery of a penalty shootout.
Havertz, though, will be able to comfort himself with the Gunners’ Premier League title win, which was confirmed two weeks prior.
