Paraguay stuns Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16 after 1-1 draw in Boston
Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Boston to reach the World Cup round of 16, eliminating the four-time champions who had never lost a World Cup shootout.
Match summary
Paraguay and Germany faced off in Boston in the round of 16. Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute through Julio Enciso, who was set up by Miguel Almirón. Germany equalized in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz scored his third goal of the tournament. The 1-1 scoreline held through regulation and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout.
Controversial extra time
Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah headed in a corner, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. Referee Jayed ruled that Waldemar Anton had obstructed goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Earlier, at 98 minutes, Germany appealed for a handball against Gustavo Gómez, but the referee waved play on. Coach Julian Nagelsmann was booked for his protests.
Penalty shootout drama
Germany had never lost a World Cup penalty shootout, but that record ended. Havertz's opening penalty was saved by Gill. Paraguay's Mauricio scored, then Joshua Kimmich equalized. Gómez put Paraguay ahead, Jamal Musiala leveled, and Galarza made it 3-2. Nick Woltemade's penalty was saved, giving Paraguay a match point, but Antonio Sanabria missed. Nadiem Amiri scored to make it 3-3. Another match point for Paraguay: Fabián Balbuena's shot was saved by Manuel Neuer. In sudden death, Tah missed, and Canal converted to seal a 4-3 win.
Historic significance
Paraguay had never eliminated a European team at a World Cup. Germany, four-time champions, had never lost a World Cup shootout. The result is a major upset, with Paraguay advancing to the quarterfinals.
What's next
Paraguay will face the winner of France vs Sweden in the quarterfinals.
