Paraguay eliminated Germany from the World Cup following a dramatic penalty shootout at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, inflicting the Germans’ first defeat from the spot in the tournament since 1976.
Gustavo Alfaro’s side defended with fierce discipline throughout the 120 minutes before prevailing 4-3 in the shootout after the match finished 1-1. The victory sends Paraguay to a last-16 tie in Philadelphia, while Julian Nagelsmann’s tournament ends in the round of 32.
Germany dominate but trail
The match presented a stark tactical contrast from the outset. Germany controlled possession to an extraordinary degree in the first half, enjoying 79 per cent of the ball, yet they reached the interval 1-0 down, bewildered by Alfaro’s rigid defensive structure.
Paraguay’s goal arrived against the run of play after 27 minutes. Manuel Neuer punched clear a corner, but the ball was recycled to Matías Galarza, who delivered a hard, flat cross for Julio Enciso to head home.
Neuer had earlier produced a fine save to deny Junior Alonso from close range. Germany’s frustration was palpable as they probed against massed defensive ranks, with Deniz Undav making his first start of the tournament in place of Jamal Musiala.
Nagelsmann introduced Leon Goretzka at half-time, and Germany found an equaliser nine minutes into the second half. Florian Wirtz delivered a diagonal cross from the left that Kai Havertz met with a pivoted, flicked header.
Paraguay might have restored their lead when Enciso intercepted a back-pass from Joshua Kimmich, but Neuer smothered the finish. Musiala entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute, yet the contest remained deadlocked after 90 minutes.
Shootout seals historic defeat
Germany thought they had found a winner when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner during extra time, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul by Waldemar Anton on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The match remained 1-1 after 120 minutes.
The ensuing shootout proved chaotic. Germany missed two of their first four spot-kicks, but Paraguay failed to capitalise by missing their final two attempts. However, Jonathan Tah then fired Germany’s sixth penalty over the bar, allowing José Canale to convert the decisive spot-kick and send Paraguay through.
The defeat marks Germany’s first World Cup shootout loss since 1976. For Paraguay, the result represents arguably the finest in their footballing history and sets up a last-16 encounter in Philadelphia.