The 2026 World Cup knockout stage produced another upset. Two-time world champions Germany drew 1-1 with Paraguay after 120 minutes of intense action in the Round of 32, before losing 4-5 in the tournament's first penalty shootout. The defeat not only ended Germany's perfect record in World Cup penalty shootouts but also marked their third consecutive World Cup exit before the Round of 16, extending their recent slump on the big stage.
Paraguay strike first, Havertz levels in time
Facing a defensively disciplined Paraguay side, Germany enjoyed more possession throughout the match but created few clear-cut chances. In the 42nd minute, Paraguay struck on the counter-attack, with Julio Enciso calmly slotting home inside the box to break the deadlock. After the break, Germany stepped up the pressure and finally equalized in the 54th minute, when Kai Havertz connected with a well-timed pass to make it 1-1. Both sides had their moments thereafter, but neither could find a winner.
In the 102nd minute of extra time, Germany thought they had snatched victory when Jonathan Tah headed home, but the referee disallowed the goal after a VAR review ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the corner kick. Germany had missed a golden opportunity, and the match ultimately went to penalties.
Germany's penalty myth ends – A familiar fate for three World Cups
From the start of the shootout, Germany found themselves on the back foot. Havertz stepped up first but saw his effort saved by Gill, while Paraguay's Mauricio converted to give his side the lead. Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Amiri all scored for Germany, and when Paraguay missed their fourth attempt, the Germans were level again. But when Nick Woltemade missed his spot-kick, Germany fell behind once more.
In the sudden-death phase, centre-back Jonathan Tah skied his penalty over the bar, and Paraguay seized the moment to score the winning kick, clinching the shootout 5-4 and ending Germany's previously unblemished World Cup penalty record.
For Germany, this loss sounded yet another alarm bell. After group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, they had made it out of the group this time but still failed to advance past the Round of 32. Three consecutive World Cups, three early exits – the sheen of the once-mighty footballing power continues to fade.
Paraguay, meanwhile, have reached the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time since 2010, achieving their best result in 16 years. Full of confidence, they will next face the winner of the France vs. Sweden tie, aiming to spring another surprise.
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