That decision has proven to be the sliding doors moment for Nagelsmann and his time as Germany boss.

However, Fifa said coaches and players were told before the World Cup that referees will punish the type of foul that meant Germany's extra-time goal against Paraguay was ruled out.

Jonathan Tah thought he had given Germany a 2-1 lead but following an intervention by the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Jalal Jayed disallowed the goal because Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Pierluigi Collina, Fifa's head of referees, has said officials had been told to punish incidents when players try to block opponents and make no attempt to play the ball, especially when goalkeepers are involved.

"Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents' movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene," Collina said.

"This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal.

"Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls."

Image source, Getty Images

Immediately after the game against Paraguay, Nagelsmann was repeatedly asked about his future and said he was "not someone who runs away" but admitted he would not be popular among the German supporters.

"If we're going to do a survey today in Germany, people are not going to speak about me positively obviously," he added. "I did feel the support in the stadium. I don't think everyone in Germany will agree with me staying on and continuing as manager of the team.

"I'd like to praise all the German fans who came to the stadium. I expected a totally different reaction from them but it was amazing and impressive the way they supported us, even after the defeat.

"I'm not going to step back only because we are eliminated. If the DFB [German football association] want me to continue, I am going to continue. I know how the industry works and a lot of people now want me to leave. I want to continue if the German FA wants me to."

Germany fans were calling for a new coach following their shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.

Full statement from the DFB, following the decision to let go of Nagelsmann: "The shareholders' representatives and the supervisory board of DFB GmbH & Co. KG today unanimously decided, on the proposal of DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, to immediately terminate the contractual relationship with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.

"Julian Nagelsmann had already requested to be relieved of his duties the previous day in a confidential meeting with the association's leadership following the disappointing outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

"This request has now been granted by the shareholders' representatives and the supervisory board.

"Bernd Neuendorf says: "The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He is characterized by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value."

"Special thanks go to the fans"

Julian Nagelsmann explains: "I've done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.

"The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team 's success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start. I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, and everyone at the federation who supported us, especially the players with whom I had the privilege of working.

"A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn't give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!"

Sporting director Rudi Völler said: "After the disappointing World Cup exit for everyone, Julian's decision deserves our respect. Because he's taking responsibility where he'd like to continue shaping things, and putting the national team as a whole above himself.

"Of course, we all would have liked a different outcome to the tournament and a more convincing performance from our team. But Julian is and remains an excellent coach, and I'm convinced he'll continue on his successful path. I'm sincerely grateful to Julian for the trusting and friendly cooperation."

DFB leadership seeks talks with Klopp

"In addition to national coach Julian Nagelsmann, his two assistants Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner will also be leaving the DFB. The DFB would like to express its sincere gratitude for their commitment. 

"Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jürgen Klopp . He has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position. 

"Furthermore, during today's meeting of the shareholders' representatives and the supervisory board, sporting director Andreas Rettig announced that he will not be extending his contract, which expires at the end of the year, for personal reasons. He had already informed the DFB president of this before the start of the current FIFA World Cup."

In the DFB's statement Julian Nagelsmann said: "I've done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.

"The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team's success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.

"I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, and everyone at the federation who supported us, especially the players with whom I had the privilege of working.

"A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times.

"It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn't give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!"

Image source, Getty Images

A statement from DFB reads: "Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jürgen Klopp. He has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position. 

"Furthermore, during today's meeting of the shareholders' representatives and the supervisory board, sporting director Andreas Rettig announced that he will not be extending his contract, which expires at the end of the year, for personal reasons.

"He had already informed the DFB president of this before the start of the current FIFA World Cup."

Image source, Getty

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as Germany manager after the team’s shock Round‑of‑32 World Cup exit to Paraguay.

Nagelsmann, a Bundesliga winner in charge of Bayern Munich in 2022, took over the national team in 2023, but they only reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 Euros they hosted.

Their World Cup campaign in North America started well, thrashing newcomers Curacao 7-1 and then coming from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.

They lost 2-1 to Ecuador in their final group game - although they had already guaranteed top spot - but the manner of the loss to Paraguay left him fighting to keep his job.

He was contracted to stay as Germany manager until the next Euros in 2028, but Germany are now on the look out for a new boss to take charge.

There are plenty of calls for ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to replace him.

Image source, Getty Images

Before we move on, we have breaking news that Julian Nagelsmann is no longer the Germany boss.

It was a dominant display from Spain, who showed here what they are capable of, albeit against a disappointingly blunt Austria.

Their dominance was reflected by tallying up 23 shots, 2.84 expected goals and 51 touches in the opposition box.

In contrast, Austria did not even have a shot on target.

Image source, Getty Images

Spain are the first European team to keep a clean sheet in their first four matches at a World Cup since Switzerland in 2006.

Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon has now kept a clean sheet in five consecutive World Cup starts, the joint-longest run by a goalkeeper in the competition, along with Italy’s Walter Zenga in 1990.

Image source, Getty Images

Spain remain unbeaten under Luis de la Fuente at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), winning 10 of their 11 matches (D1).

Only two European managers have overseen more matches across the two competitions without ever losing, former France manager Aimé Jacquet (12) and former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal (12).

Image source, Getty Images

Spain became the first nation to field two teenagers in their starting XI of a World Cup knockout match since Brazil started both Pele and Jose Altafini against Wales in 1958.

Image source, Getty Images

Oyarzabal is not the only reason why Spain are serious contenders to follow up their Euro 2024 triumph with the World Cup trophy.

They are currently on their second longest unbeaten run, with victory against Austria extending that to 34 games and they will equal their record run of 35 if they reach the quarter-finals.

They started this tournament slowly with a surprise goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde, but have since got stronger and stronger.

They have now scored eight times in four matches and conceded none. Next up is a mouth-watering tie against either Portugal or Croatia.

"I think Spain have got more gears to go through," former England striker Dion Dublin said on BBC Radio 5 live.

"They were comfortable playing in third or fourth gear against Austria because they knew the opposition didn't have anything to offer.

"That's the key. When they are playing against France or Portugal, whoever it may be, they will just up their game again.

"I think they have a lot more to offer which is a frightening thing for the rest of the teams in the competition."

Image source, Getty Images

Spain

Spain goalscorer Mikel Oyarzabal: "I am happy because I got to help my team. We made it through to the next game and now we need to rest. A pretty complicated match, we knew it would be difficult. They were quite a physical team. It was a great day, a great match and we are happy.

"I believe some of the matches have been good, others perhaps not that good but we are going to keep on going.

"Croatia or Portugal? I don't know. I have a friend in each team, so bring them on."

Before every Spain game at this World Cup, one name has dominated the back of the shirts worn by fans - Lamine Yamal.

He was the focus of the cameras at Los Angeles Stadium too when he arrived for Thursday's last-32 tie against Austria - and again the centre of attention when the players came out on to the pitch.

But the player who is perhaps not the biggest name in this Spain squad is the one who has so far shone the brightest - Mikel Oyarzabal.

The 29-year-old Real Sociedad striker scored twice as the reigning European champions comfortably beat Austria 3-0 to secure a first knockout win in 16 years and progress to the last 16.

"It's so clear that [Yamal] is the leader of the side, that everything that everybody does has to do with him," Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Mikel Oyarzabal is the invisible man, he has scored in every final he has ever played.

"He is one of the most intelligent players we have and he is the other one who can be a match-winner."

Oyarzabal’s opener was the first World Cup knockout goal scored by a Spain player since Andres Iniesta’s decisive effort in South Africa 16 years ago.

Their goal against Russia in the last 16 in 2018 when they lost on penalties to the hosts was an own goal.

Image source, Getty

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Pierluigi Collina was very clear to coaches before the World Cup. Any type of blocking action that impedes a defender or goalkeeper from playing the ball will not be tolerated.

For Germany's disallowed goal against Paraguay, Collina insists that Waldemar Anton's only role was to get in the way of Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Did Gill move into Anton? Yes, but only because the Germany player positioned himself there.

If you are disallowing the Germany goal, then for consistency Spain's has to be too.

Collina would argue although Pau Cubarsi jumped for the ball, he was there to impede the space which Austria keeper Alexander Schlager wanted to use.

It seems alien to anyone who watches the Premier League every week, but Collina wants "clean football".

Joe Hart analyses the decision to rule out Marc Cucurella's goal against Austria for a foul on Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager during their last-32 game in Los Angeles, with Hart believing the decision was soft.

Joe Hart doesn't think so, Rory...