Germany’s World Cup exit: How papers across the globe covered the news

Germany’s early exit from this year’s World Cup has made headlines across the world – with newspapers from a host of countries featuring the defending champions’ plight on their front pages.

The team’s disappointment and shock at crashing out of the competition in the group stages was summed up on the front of the country’s national newspaper Bild.

“No words”, read the headline, alongside an image of a dejected Toni Kroos.

In stark contrast, the paper had used the same headline in 2014, alongside a photo of an elated Kroos, when Germany beat Brazil 7-1 in the World Cup semi-final. They went on to win the tournament, beating Argentina in the final.

Other countries took more delight in Germany’s departure, however, after they lost 2-0 to South Korea.

In the UK, The Sun carried the headline: “Schadenfreude” – a word meaning pleasure derived from other people’s misfortune.

And The Sun’s back page carried out a cut-out-and-keep reminder for fans following Germany’s demise.

The Mirror featured a front-page picture of smiling England players under the headline of “Come on England… but don’t mention the VAR!”. That was a reference to the video assistant referee system seeing South Korea awarded a late goal against Germany.

The Metro declared: “Out Wiedersehen!” on its front page, with its back page reading: “From champs to chumps”, while the Daily Telegraph’s sport section described it as a “historic humiliation”.

“Gott im Himmel!”, said the Daily Mail, meaning “God in Heaven!” or “Good heavens!”, with a hint of sarcasm as it declared there was not “a dry eye in the house” in Britain.

The Times featured a front-page picture of a single German fan crying, while the Telegraph carried a picture of disconsolate German supporters who had watched the match in Berlin.

In Spain, meanwhile, national sport newspaper Marca called Germany’s exit “The curse of the champions”.

Dutch paper AD Sportwereld featured a photo of Germany’s players with hands on their heads at the final whistle against South Korea.

“Over and Out! (already)”, it said, comparing the scenes to 2014 with a picture of the team’s celebrations at the last World Cup.