Alan Shearer Fumes: Paraguay Goalkeeper Deceived Referee and VAR

Former England captain Alan Shearer believes Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 should have stood. The legendary Newcastle and Blackburn striker expressed his surprise at the referee's decision to disallow Jonathan Tah's goal, which would have given Germany a 2-1 lead. Julian Nagelsmann's side subsequently lost on penalties and were eliminated from the tournament.

"Well, Anton gave the Paraguay goalkeeper a slight nudge, but is that enough to disallow a goal? VAR thinks so. I don't. I completely disagree with that decision. The goalkeeper knows there was slight contact and goes down far too easily. Yes, there's contact, but this is a contact sport and there are about 13-14 players in the penalty area," stated the Euro '96 top scorer, who now works as a BBC pundit.

"The goalkeeper knows he was touched and he used it to his advantage. No, I don't agree with that. The decision to disallow that goal is a shame. Yes, there's a slight touch, but it's not enough to make a 195-centimeter tall goalkeeper fall like that. He deceived the referee and VAR. I'm truly surprised," Shearer added.