Once upon a time Germans were able to rely on their World Cup footballers for collective feel-good moments that would lift up the whole country.
The surprise 1954 title by West Germany is seen as a defining moment in the return to the stage of civilized nations after the horrors of the Nazi era and World War II.
It coincided with the Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle) period during which the country was rebuilt and prospered, with Made in Germany becoming a tag of excellence around the world.
The home tournament in 2006 also worked wonders, helping to redefine the image of the country in a positive way abroad that generations of diplomats had previously failed to achieve.
Remembered as the Sommermärchen (summer fairy tale), partying and welcoming Germans and a more diverse team superseded past stereotypes, helped by the run into the semi-finals.
The Sommermärchen coincided with the early days of Angela Merkel's 16-year reign as chancellor. Merkel, who was named Woman of the Year by Time Magazine in 2015 for her influence at home and around the world, would go on to celebrate the 2014 World Cup title with the team.
Gloom on and off the pitch
Fast forward to 2026, and a third World Cup debacle could be seen as perfectly fitting given what Germany is currently going through.
"A team like the mood in the country," Stern magazine summed it up online on Tuesday.
An editorial in the Bild tabloid also described the team's performance and appearance as "symptomatic of the state of the entire country."
"At best, we are only second-rate now: Our economy is experiencing a downward spiral unprecedented in every respect, with bankruptcies and deindustrialization occurring every day."
Following two consecutive years of recession, the German economy, Europe's largest, grew only marginally last year. There is no respite on the horizon, with forecasts predicting another year of minimal growth in 2026, while domestic challenges continue to mount.
Monday's penalty shoot-out defeat against Paraguay in the round of 32 comes a few days after rail operator Deutsche Bahn announced yet another delay of the ambitious Stuttgart 21 project.
Originally planned to open in 2019, the new underground station in the prosperous south-western German city won't be fully operational until 2031 due to a never-ending array of problems.
Just weeks earlier, a key bridge over the river Rhine in the former West German capital of Bonn was closed because it has been deemed unsafe.
Infrastructure is a mess as thousands of post-war bridges in the country are crumbling and Deutsche Bahn can hardly keep up with badly needed refurbishment projects that cover thousands of kilometres of tracks.
Adding to this are a deep crisis in the once famed automotive sector amid general economic stagnation.
There is also the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, especially in the states that once formed communist East Germany.
Second tier team
Made in Germany no longer carries the same prestige as in the past, and neither does the football team, which has four World Cup titles but now lost a penalty shoot-out for the first time at the global event.
Asked if Germany were now a second-tier men's international team, forward Kai Havertz readily admitted after Monday's disaster: "Yes, it seems so for sure."
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung spoke of "the dwarfing of a big football nation" and Spain's Marca said: "There is nothing left of Germany" - statements that some may argue also apply beyond football.
Nagelsmann and Merz
Coach Julian Nagelsmann has dismissed calls to step down in light of the latest debacle but he may feel as beleaguered as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"What Nagelsmann and his team failed to achieve is what Merz will be judged on in the coming weeks. One can only hope that it does not end in a similar way to the World Cup," Stern said, referring to government projects including pension and social reforms.
"The further negotiations will be for Merz and the entire government what the Paraguay match was for the national team."
Merz raised eyebrows when he posted an upbeat message on X after the team's exit. "Even though the elimination hurts: What a game," he said. "With your dedication and team spirit at this World Cup, you've inspired our country. We're proud of you."
Bild accused Merz of making "a fool of himself" and suggested that he and Nagelsmann live in "a parallel universe."
The editorial added: "I do not accept second-rate status. I am not proud. I am angry. I am disappointed. I am furious! Our children know Germany only as a loser now!"
