German media did not hold back on harsh epithets in their headlines on Tuesday, June 30, commenting on yet another early exit of the German national football team from the World Cup. There was deep disappointment in Berlin after the defeat of the national team by Paraguay in a penalty shootout following a dreadful match. Even more surprising was the reaction of the federal chancellor. The head of the German government, Friedrich Merz, wrote on platform X: "Even if the exit from the tournament is painful: what a match, German team! With your dedication and team spirit at this World Cup, you have inspired our country. We are proud of you." ## ## Merz's Post Was Even Read in Moscow Pride, dedication, inspiration? Perhaps Merz was not watching the same match as the 16 million Germans who, according to official television audience data, stayed up late on Monday to watch their team's defeat live around two o'clock in the morning Central European Time? Sarcastic comments regarding the unfortunate post did not take long to emerge. Even from Moscow. A close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, who has participated in negotiations with the U.S. regarding the cessation of Russia's war against Ukraine, also wrote on X: "Merz is good at contributing to failure again and again." And even within the country, there was serious bewilderment regarding the chancellor's post. Member of the European Parliament from the Free Democratic Party, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, known for her sharpness, even said that she did not know what was worse: the performance of the national team or the reaction of the federal chancellor.