Paraguay knocked Germany out of the FIFA World Cup after winning a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, ending Germany’s campaign in the last 32.
Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough on Monday.
The result marks Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and ends the four-time champions’ tournament at the last-32 stage.
Enciso strikes before Havertz responds
Paraguay took a surprise lead before half-time when Julio Enciso headed home from a Matias Galarza cross after Germany failed to clear a corner.
However, Germany responded early in the second half. Florian Wirtz delivered a cross from the left, and Kai Havertz headed the ball into the far corner to score his third goal of the tournament.
Despite sustained German pressure, Paraguay defended resolutely and forced the match into extra time.
VAR denies Germany a winner
Germany thought they had taken the lead in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner.
However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled out the goal after determining that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the build-up.
Meanwhile, Gill continued to frustrate Germany with several important saves as Paraguay held firm.
Penalty shootout seals historic victory
The penalty shootout swung repeatedly between both teams.
Gill saved spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, although Paraguay also missed two opportunities to seal victory.
Finally, Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty after Tah fired Germany’s final attempt over the crossbar, sending Paraguay into the last 16.
Germany suffer another early exit
Germany reached the knockout stage for the first time since winning the 2014 World Cup. Nevertheless, Julian Nagelsmann’s side failed to progress further.
Paraguay, meanwhile, celebrated one of the greatest victories in the nation’s football history. They will now face France in the next round if Les Bleus defeat Sweden.
