Germany suffered a shocking World Cup exit after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the round of 32 on Monday.
Kai Havertz endured a mixed night, scoring Germany’s equaliser before missing the opening penalty in the shootout. Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade also failed to convert from the spot, while Jonathan Tah’s miss in sudden death allowed José Canale to score the winner and send Paraguay into the last 16.
VAR drama and Gill’s heroics
Paraguay had taken the lead just before halftime through Julio Enciso after Miguel Almirón’s cross caught Germany off guard. Havertz responded in the 54th minute, heading in Florian Wirtz’s cross to level the match.
Germany dominated possession and thought Tah had won the game in extra time, but VAR ruled out his header for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Gill also produced several crucial saves to keep Paraguay in the contest.
Historic upset for Paraguay
The defeat marked Germany’s first-ever penalty shootout loss at a World Cup and continued a disappointing run after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
“It’s difficult to explain what we’re feeling. I’m very proud of this team,” Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez said after the match. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side failed to deliver despite aiming to win a fifth World Cup title.
“I’m disappointed. It just wasn’t enough to beat this opponent. If you’re eliminated by Paraguay, you’re simply not a first-class football team,” he said.
The victory is one of Paraguay’s biggest World Cup upsets and sends the South Americans into the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden on July 5.
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