Paraguay beats Germany on penalties; Netherlands and Morocco deadlocked in World Cup last 16
Paraguay eliminated Germany 5-2 on penalties in the World Cup round of 16 in Boston, while the Netherlands and Morocco remained scoreless into the second half in Monterrey.
Germany falls on penalties
Germany controlled 75 percent of possession but could not break down a resolute Paraguay defense in Boston. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead just before halftime. Kai Havertz equalized with a header after the restart. A Jonathan Tah goal that would have put Germany ahead was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul on the goalkeeper. Extra time ended without a winner.
- Germany
- 75 %
- Paraguay
- 25 %
The shootout and its outcome
In the penalty series, Germany’s Kai Havertz missed the opening kick. Paraguay’s Maurício converted, and the South Americans led throughout. Nick Woltemade also had an attempt saved. Germany’s Jonathan Tah shot over the bar with a chance to stay alive. José Canales scored the decisive kick, sealing a 5-2 victory.
- Paraguay
- 5
- Germany
- 2
This is Germany’s third consecutive early World Cup exit (group stage in 2018 and 2022). Paraguay, ranked 41st in the world, advanced.
Netherlands confronted by Morocco
In Monterrey, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman deployed a 5-2-3 formation instead of the usual 4-3-3. The Dutch created few first-half chances and were rescued by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who denied El Aynaoui and tipped a shot from Hakimi onto the crossbar.
It’s bad. I find Morocco much more dangerous.
Van der Vaart criticised the formation change. Ruud van Nistelrooij said the teams were “feeling each other out” and remained confident for the second half. The Netherlands, which had scored six second-half goals during the group stage, hoped to improve.
