Klopp’s subtle dig at Arsenal after Germany’s game

They just couldn't do it. Not for the third consecutive World Cup has Germany managed to reach the Round of 16. At the previous two tournaments they crashed out in the group stage; this time they at least advanced from their group, only to be stopped in the Round of 32 by a stubborn Paraguay side, which produced the biggest upset of the tournament so far. However, the Germans are left wondering whether the outcome would have been different had Jonathan Tah's goal in the first period of extra time stood. And former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp even compared situation with the Premier League and aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal.

The Bayern center-back headed home from the back post following a corner to make it 2-1, but the goal was soon disallowed after the officials ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The decision sparked outrage across Germany. Jurgen Klopp was among those unimpressed, criticizing the lack of consistency in officiating. According to the former Liverpool manager, referees seem to apply different standards from one competition to another instead of following a uniform interpretation. He went even further, pointing to Arsenal's Premier League-winning campaign as an example.

"If that's a foul, then Arsenal wouldn't have been champions of England. They scored 60 percent of their goals that way. We would have won the match if that goal had stood, so this is brutal" Klopp told MagentaTV.

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His opinion was echoed by refereeing experts. Patrick Ittrich, MagentaTV's officiating analyst, argued that VAR should never have intervened in the first place.

"For me, this wasn't a clear and obvious error by the referee. VAR review was unnecessary. It's far too picky. I don't see any pushing or holding" he said. The criticism continued on other German broadcasters. ZDF refereeing expert Torsten Kinhofer admitted he was "speechless" after seeing the decision.

"We've seen far worse incidents at this World Cup, and the goalkeeper was back on his feet immediately. It's normal contact and absolutely not a foul" Kinhofer stated.

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Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann was equally surprised that the goal was ruled out, telling the BBC as the VAR review unfolded:

"It's far too soft in my opinion. But based on what we've seen so far at this tournament, I wouldn't be surprised if they disallow it. We've already seen two or three goals chalked off for very minor infringements. This is almost nothing—a slight block on the goalkeeper. That's not enough for me, but I expect they'll rule it out".

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 1-0 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay (0-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

04.00: (2.20) Netherlands (3.15) Morocco (3.75)

20.00: (3.50) Ivory Coast (3.55) Norway (2.10)

00.00: (1.30) France (5.80) Sweden (9.00)

Wednesday

04.00: (2.25) Mexico (2.95) Ecuador (3.85)

19.00: (1.30) England (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (2.15) Belgium (3.25) Senegal (3.75)

Thursday

03.00: (1.43) USA (4.60) B&H (8.50)

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***