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PARAGUAY stunned four-time world champions Germany with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw to reach the World Cup last 16, ending Germany's campaign in heartbreaking fashion and recording one of the greatest victories in the South American nation's football history.
The defeat marked an unwanted milestone for Germany, who lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time, while extending their recent struggles on football's biggest stage despite reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014.
Paraguay took a surprise lead before the interval when Julio Enciso rose unmarked to head home after Matias Galarza's cross found him inside the penalty area, exposing Germany's defensive lapse.
Germany responded early in the second half through Kai Havertz, whose deft header from Florian Wirtz's cross levelled the contest on 54 minutes for his third goal of the tournament.
Despite dominating possession thereafter, Germany were unable to find a winner. Jonathan Tah believed he had scored during extra time with a towering header, but the effort was ruled out following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Gill proved decisive in the shootout, saving penalties from Havertz and Nick Woltemade to keep Paraguay alive. Although Paraguay twice failed to convert chances to secure victory, Jose Canale eventually struck the winning penalty after Tah blasted Germany's final effort over the crossbar.
The result completed a memorable night for Paraguay, whose disciplined defensive display frustrated Germany throughout much of the contest before their composure from the spot sealed a famous triumph.
Paraguay had threatened almost immediately when Junior Alonso headed narrowly wide from a corner after Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer failed to gather cleanly.
Germany, who had displayed their attacking potential in a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao earlier in the tournament, struggled to break down Paraguay's organised defence during a lacklustre opening half.
Julian Nagelsmann handed Deniz Undav his first start of the tournament after the Stuttgart forward scored three goals as a substitute during the group stage. Nathaniel Brown also returned at left-back after recovering from a minor injury, replacing Jamal Musiala in the starting line-up.
Paraguay welcomed back Miguel Almiron following a one-match suspension after he became the first player dismissed under FIFA's new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during on-field confrontations.
After Germany equalised, the momentum appeared to shift decisively in their favour, particularly after Enciso was forced off through injury, depriving Paraguay of their principal attacking outlet.
Gill, however, produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Havertz from another dangerous Wirtz delivery before Paraguay survived sustained German pressure from a series of corners and set-pieces.
Anton later headed directly at Gill, while Germany continued to press unsuccessfully as Paraguay defended resolutely to force penalties.
The victory was especially significant for Paraguay, whose goal through Enciso was their first ever in a World Cup knockout match after failing to score in their previous five appearances at that stage, including a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the last 16 of the 2002 tournament.
Paraguay now advances to the last 16, where they could face France should Les Bleus overcome Sweden, while Germany departs the tournament after another disappointing World Cup campaign despite entering the knockout phase with renewed optimism. - June 30, 2026
