Germany are out of the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay, beaten 4-3 in a penalty shootout after their last-16 knockout tie finished 1-1, ESPN reported — a stunning early exit for one of the sport's traditional giants.
A see-saw contest
Paraguay struck first, Julio Enciso heading the South Americans in front in the 42nd minute. Germany hit back after the break through a header of their own, Kai Havertz meeting a Florian Wirtz cross to level the match. Neither side could find a winner in normal time or extra time, sending the tie — the first of this tournament to go the distance — to a shootout.
The decision that turned it
The flashpoint came in extra time, when Germany thought they had won it: Jonathan Tah bundled the ball home from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review found that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, in the build-up. The call infuriated the German camp and divided pundits, some of whom branded it harsh, as CBS Sports reported. Instead of a place in the next round, Germany were left to face the lottery of penalties.
Gill the hero
There, Gill was the difference. The goalkeeper saved spot-kicks from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, and when Tah blazed his effort over the bar, the door swung open for Paraguay. José Canale stepped up in sudden death to convert the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations. By widely cited records, it was the first time Germany had ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout — a remarkable end to that proud streak.
What it means
For Germany, four-time world champions and a side many had fancied to go deep, it is a chastening exit and the start of hard questions. For Paraguay, it is a famous night: they advance to the round of 16, where they will play the winner of France versus Sweden. Knockout football, as ever, proved indifferent to reputation — and on this night, it was the underdogs who held their nerve.
