Paraguay produced the first major upset of the World Cup knockout rounds on Monday. The South Americans eliminated Germany after a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout at Gillette Stadium. The match ended 1-1 after extra time.
Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute of the first half. Julio Enciso, the Paraguay forward, headed home a cross from the right flank. The goal caught the German defence off guard.
Germany dominated possession throughout the contest. However, the four-time champions struggled to create clear chances against Paraguay’s resolute defence.
Germany equalised in the 54th minute of the second half. Kai Havertz, the German forward, scored with a header from a Florian Wirtz cross. The goal marked Havertz’s third of the tournament.
Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 102nd minute of extra time. Jonathan Tah, the German defender, powered a header into the net from a corner kick. However, the Video Assistant Referee reviewed the play.
The referee determined that Waldemar Anton, the German defender, had fouled Orlando Gill, the Paraguay goalkeeper. The goal was disallowed.
The shootout began with Germany’s Kai Havertz missing his attempt. Paraguay’s Mauricio converted his spot-kick to give his side the lead.
Both teams traded successful penalties in the following rounds. Germany’s Nick Woltemade then saw his effort saved by Gill. Antonio Sanabria, the Paraguay forward, missed his opportunity to seal the victory.
The shootout moved to sudden death after a 3-3 tie. Jonathan Tah stepped up for Germany and sent his penalty over the crossbar. Jose Canale, the Paraguay forward, stepped forward and converted the winning spot-kick.
The defeat marked Germany’s first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout. It also meant Germany failed to reach the Round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup.
