Germany Shocked by Paraguay in World Cup Round of 32 Penalty Shootout
After failing to advance past the group stage in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Germany hoped for a better outcome this time. The German national team, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, managed to progress beyond the group stage but was eliminated in the round of 32 by Paraguay following a dramatic penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Paraguay ultimately winning 4-3 on penalties.
Germany struggled offensively in the first half, especially during the opening 30 minutes, and conceded a header goal by Julio Enciso in the 42nd minute. The Germans improved in the second half, equalizing in the 54th minute through Kai Havertz, who also missed a crucial chance that could have decided the match in regular time. During extra time, Germany briefly celebrated a go-ahead goal by Jonathan Tah, but it was disallowed after a VAR review due to a foul on Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gamarra, who was named man of the match.
In the penalty shootout, Paraguay's goalkeeper Gamarra saved two German shots, while Jonathan Tah missed his attempt. José Canale scored the decisive penalty for Paraguay, sending them to the round of 16. This marked Germany's first-ever penalty shootout loss in World Cup history, after previously winning four such shootouts.
The German media reacted with shock and disappointment. Bild called it "another nightmare for German football," criticizing the team's slow, boring, and indifferent performance. Nagelsmann faced heavy criticism, with some suggesting this could be his last game as national coach. Criticism also targeted the decision to field Niklas Vollmuth in the shootout, who missed his penalty. International media described the result as the biggest surprise of the tournament so far and praised Paraguay's flawless performance, calling it a historic moment for the South American nation.
Germany’s third consecutive World Cup disappointment continues, while Paraguay celebrates its first knockout stage victory in World Cup history.
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