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Germany's chastened national team arrived home Thursday after their shock World Cup exit plunged the football-mad nation into mourning and left the future of coach Joachim Loew in the balance.
German media have given a damaging verdict of the titleholders' World Cup campaign, which will be remembered as the first time since 1938 that the country has failed to make it past the first round.
The headline mirrors the one used four years ago after Germany's stunning 7-1 victory over Brazil at the last World Cup -- but this time the nation has been left speechless out of sheer disbelief.
Anger was mounting too after a weak performance in Russia that has left commentators calling for radical changes in German football.
OFF-PITCH DRAMA
After 12 years in charge, Loew is now under fire for placing too much faith in former stars past their prime.
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said
"That the party ended before it really began is bearable -- but only if German football strategists recognise the sign of the times and act accordingly," the conservative daily wrote.
Sports website Kicker sp
oke
"There was no real team in Russia," it wrote, noting Germany's earlier lacklustre performances against Mexico and Sweden in Group F.
Alongside criticism of missed chances and the woeful performances of some veteran players, recent off-pitch drama added to a picture of a team in disarray.
Ilkay Gundogan and Mesut Ozil, both of Turkish origin, sparked a storm of controversy when they posed for pictures with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in London last month, prompting angry fans to question their loyalty to the national team.
German-born Ozil in particular came in for sharp criticism after an underwhelming turn.
The far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was quick to blame the Arsenal midfielder for the nation's heartache.
Despite the premature end of the Mannschaft's campaign, main sponsor Adidas said it still expects to sell around eight million football jerseys this year -- more than during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The German shirts may yet be snapped up by bargain-hunters, with stores promptly hawking them on steep discount after Wednesday's defeat.
Major German shopping centre chain Kaufhof offered a 40-percent price cut on World Cup merchandise in a promotion called "Too bad, Germany".
