Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup by eliminating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 encounter at Foxborough on Monday.
The dramatic victory sends Paraguay into the Round of 16 and ends Germany’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion. It also marks the first time the four-time world champions have lost a penalty shootout at the World Cup.
Paraguay took a surprise lead shortly before the interval when Julio Enciso rose highest to head home from close range after Matias Galarza delivered an inviting cross into the box. The South Americans defended resolutely to preserve their advantage heading into the break.
Germany responded positively after halftime and restored parity in the 54th minute through Kai Havertz, who guided Florian Wirtz’s cross into the far corner for his third goal of the tournament.
The Germans pressed relentlessly for a winner as the match wore on, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced a series of crucial saves to frustrate Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Jonathan Tah believed he had won the contest in extra time with a powerful header, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review that penalised Waldemar Anton for a foul on the goalkeeper.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the contest was settled by penalties in a tense shootout that swung dramatically between both teams.
Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, denying both Havertz and Nick Woltemade from the spot. Although Paraguay squandered two opportunities to seal victory, Jose Canale finally converted the decisive penalty after Tah fired Germany’s final kick over the crossbar.
The defeat represents another disappointing World Cup campaign for Germany, who were making their first appearance in the knockout rounds since lifting the trophy in 2014. Despite beginning the tournament with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao, the Europeans struggled to consistently translate possession into goals throughout the competition.
Paraguay, inspired by coach Gustavo Alfaro’s call to embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, defended with remarkable discipline and resilience. Their opening goal was particularly significant, as it ended a long wait for a knockout-stage goal at the World Cup after failing to score in their previous five such matches.
Germany threatened repeatedly after drawing level, with Wirtz creating several dangerous opportunities, while Leon Goretzka’s introduction added urgency to their attack. However, Gill’s commanding performance between the posts, combined with Paraguay’s organised defensive display, ensured the match remained level through regulation and extra time.
Paraguay’s memorable triumph ranks among the nation’s greatest achievements at the World Cup and earns them a place in the Round of 16, where they could face France should Les Bleus overcome Sweden in their corresponding fixture.
