What did Said El Mala do wrong? Karl's exit and Nagelsmann's late call-up

Lennart Karl's withdrawal from the World Cup is a bitter blow for the team and the 18-year-old himself. "It just hurts beyond words," Karl posted on Instagram. His fearless audacity—pulling off moves that initially defy logic but often pay off—will be missed. Many wanted Said El Mala in the squad and on the pitch, especially Cologne supporters who value pace, skill and flair.

Nagelsmann's decision to omit El Mala from the Luxembourg qualifier and the World Cup squad was predictable to some; he must have sporting reasons, yet critics have labelled the selection "a catastrophic mistake" or "extremely risky." El Mala had started all ten Bundesliga matches for Cologne from 7 March, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

Assan Ouedraogo, by contrast, earned a call-up despite a season disrupted by injury, and names such as Chris Führich appeared to offer little that Nagelsmann could not already access. The squad balance drew attention: three goalkeepers with the designated No.

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