FIFA WC: Germany knocked out as Paraguay prevail 4-3 on penalties to reach last-16
Foxborough, June 30
Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany with a wild penalty shootout win after the two teams were tied at 1-1 in regulation time in the Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 here at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
Germany had never lost on penalties at the FIFA World Cup. After being down and out seemingly, Manuel Neuer got them back on level terms, only for Paraguay to finally seize their third spot-kick shot at reaching the last 16.
Julio Enciso put La Albirroja ahead in the 42nd minute. The Germans used their own aerial prowess to equalise with Kai Havertz diverting Florian Wirtz's cross into the bottom corner. After another header, from Jonathan Tah, was ruled out, the tie went to a shootout.
Gill repelled two penalties in it to leave the Paraguayans all but through, only for Manuel Neuer to inspire a remarkable fightback. Finally, with what was the third spot-kick the Paraguayans had to progress, Jose Canale kept his cool to send Gustavo Alfaro's charges through.
Germany started the penalty shootout but immediately found themselves on the back foot when Kai Havertz hit his spot-kick straight at the Paraguay goalkeeper. Mauricio capitalised on the error by burying his shot into the corner, though Joshua Kimmich quickly responded for the Germans, hesitating before confidently converting his effort.
Gustavo Gomez then struck well to put Paraguay ahead 2-1, only for Jamal Musiala to level the score at 2-2 with an effortless finish. The drama intensified as Matias Galarza successfully converted to put Paraguay on the brink of victory after Nick Woltemade's subsequent effort for Germany was saved.
However, the four-time champions clung on as Antonio Sanabria saw his potential match-winning strike repelled, allowing Nadiem Amiri to step up and coolly make it 3-3.
With a second chance at glory dangling before Paraguay, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer delivered another clutch moment to keep Germany alive by denying Fabian Balbuena. Yet, the South Americans would not be denied a third time, as Jose Canale stepped up and buried his decisive effort to spectacularly knock Germany out of the tournament.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Neuer was incredible but even he couldn't save them forever. Sorry to see Germany go, but the South American spirit of Paraguay is truly inspiring. This makes me want to watch more Copa América-style football! 🇵🇾🇩🇪
Hard luck for the Germans. They came back strong after being 1-0 down, but shootouts are a lottery. Paraguay punished them on their own penalty weak link—Havertz missing the first one set the tone. This World Cup 2026 is already full of upsets!
As a neutral Indian fan, this was pure drama! Germany's Teutonic efficiency failed them at the spot. Paraguay held their nerve after multiple attempts. Can you imagine the pressure on Canale to take that third clinching penalty? Chills! 🔥
Gutted for Germany but what a game! Paraguay deserved it for their persistence. Man, Neuer's save on Sanabria was world-class but then Balbuena miss... and then Canale finally did it. Indian matches need this kind of late-night excitement! 🇮🇳⚽
Respect to Paraguay for not giving up. After missing two match-winning penalties, they kept their heads up to take a third chance. Meanwhile, Germany's penalty struggles continue—they need to work on their spot-kick practice. Hopefully, India can learn from such grit! 🏆
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