Paraguay Knock Out Germany in Thrilling Penalty Shootout to Reach Round of 16

Darwin, 30 June : Paraguay secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after eliminating Germany 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Germany have now failed to reach the Round of 16 for three consecutive World Cups, extending a drought that has lasted 12 years. Paraguay, meanwhile, return to the knockout stage for the first time in 16 years.

The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to penalties.

In the shootout, both teams took six penalties each. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made an immediate impact by saving Kai Havertz’s opening spot-kick, while Paraguay converted their first three penalties.

Germany responded by scoring their next two penalties, but Gill denied their fourth attempt as well. Paraguay could have sealed victory with their fourth kick, but Germany captain Manuel Neuer kept his side alive by saving Paraguay’s next two penalties.

The shootout eventually went to sudden death. Germany defender Jonathan Tah blasted his effort over the crossbar, and Paraguay made no mistake as José Canale converted the decisive penalty beyond Neuer to send his team through.

Paraguay’s players celebrated wildly after sealing their first World Cup knockout appearance since returning to the tournament after a 16-year absence.

Germany, who won the World Cup in 2014, suffered group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022. Although they finally progressed beyond the group stage this time, the four-time world champions once again failed to advance past the Round of 16.

Paraguay’s best previous World Cup performance came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals. After missing subsequent tournaments, the South American nation has now marked its return with a place in the last 16.

At Boston, Germany went into halftime trailing after Julio Enciso headed Paraguay in front in the 41st minute from a cross by Matías Galarza.

Germany equalized in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz’s cross glanced off Kai Havertz and found the back of the net.

With no further goals in regulation or extra time, the match became the first at this World Cup to be decided after extra time and a penalty shootout.

The outcome could have been different had Germany’s goal in the 105th minute stood. Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner, but after a VAR review showed one of his teammates had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, the referee disallowed the goal.

Despite earning several dangerous free-kicks throughout the match, Germany failed to capitalize. Gill produced a series of outstanding saves and emerged as the hero of the night with a match-winning performance.