Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history by knocking out four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday. After the match ended 1-1 following 120 minutes, Paraguay held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties and book a place in the Round of 16.
Jose Canale scored the winning penalty to seal a famous victory for the South Americans, who will now face either France or Sweden for a place in the quarter-finals.
Germany’s Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all missed their penalties. Paraguay also missed twice, but Canale stayed calm to send his team through and spark emotional celebrations.
Germany had a chance to win in extra time when Tah headed the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul on the goalkeeper. It was also the first time Germany had ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout.
The result was Paraguay’s biggest World Cup victory. The South Americans, who reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and had not qualified for the tournament since then, produced a disciplined and determined performance to eliminate one of the tournament favourites.
The defeat is another major setback for Germany, who had already suffered group-stage exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Germany dominated possession from the start, with tournament top scorer Deniz Undav making his first start. The Germans controlled the ball and looked threatening, but they failed to register a single shot on target in the first half despite completing 244 passes compared to Paraguay’s 31.
Paraguay stuck to their game plan and made the most of their opportunity. With Miguel Almiron back from suspension, they launched a quick attack down the right before Julio Enciso headed home to score Paraguay’s first-ever goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup.
The small group of Paraguay fans erupted in celebration, while the Germany supporters were left stunned. Despite enjoying almost complete control of possession, Germany went into half-time trailing 1-0.
Germany finally found the equaliser nine minutes into the second half when Florian Wirtz delivered a cross into the box and Kai Havertz headed home. They thought they had completed the comeback in the 102nd minute through Tah, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed, forcing the game into penalties where Paraguay completed a famous upset.
