Paraguay Shocks Four-Time World Champion Germany in World Cup Round of 16
Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, eliminating the four-time world champion in their first knockout match since 2014. The match featured a goalless extra time and a dramatic penalty shootout.
In a stunning upset, Paraguay advanced to the quarterfinals of the 48-team World Cup by beating Germany on penalties (4-3) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match remained goalless in extra time, leading to a shootout.
Germany dominated possession in the first half, but Paraguay's defense held firm. A defensive error by Germany in the 42nd minute allowed Paraguay to take the lead: Matias Galarza's cross from the right found Julio Enciso, who headed the ball unmarked into the net.
In the second half, Germany increased pressure. In the 51st minute, Enciso had a chance from close range, but Manuel Neuer saved. Three minutes later, Florian Wirtz's cross was headed in by Kai Havertz to make it 1-1. Neither side could score further, and the game went to extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Germany scored from a corner, but VAR determined a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Hill, disallowing the goal. No more goals were scored.
In the penalty shootout, Hill became the hero by saving Havertz's and Nick Woltemade's penalties. For Germany, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Nadiem Amiri converted, but Jonathan Tah shot over. For Paraguay, Mauricio Magallanes, Gustavo Gomez, Galarza, and Jose Canale scored, while Antonio Sanabria hit the post. The shootout ended 4-3.
This was Germany's first knockout match since winning the 2014 World Cup. Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the quarterfinals. The tournament, hosted by Mexico, USA, and Canada, features 48 teams for the first time. Semifinals are scheduled for July 14-15, the bronze match on July 18, and the final on July 19.
