Paraguay upsets Germany on penalties at World Cup

Paraguay pulled off one of the tournament's most dramatic upsets on Monday, eliminating four-time champion Germany on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw through extra time in the Round of 32 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.greenwichtime+1

José Canale scored on the first sudden-death penalty kick and goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two saves in the shootout as Paraguay prevailed 4-3, advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time since their run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.dazn+1

A Tense 120 Minutes

Paraguay took the lead late in the first half through Julio Enciso, who scored with a header in the 42nd minute. Germany equalized early in the second half through Kai Havertz.thescore+1

The match appeared destined to swing Germany's way in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review. Referee Jalal Jayed, after consulting the pitchside monitor, ruled that Tah had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill before the ball crossed the line. The decision sparked immediate controversy, with former Germany international Thomas Müller saying Tah "attacked the ball brilliantly, won it fairly and finished with authority".independent+3

Shootout Heartbreak for Germany

With no further goals in extra time, the match went to the tournament's first penalty shootout. Gill proved decisive, making two saves as Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Tah all failed to convert for Germany. Canale then stepped up to score the winning kick, sending the Paraguayan squad into celebrations.greenwichtime+1

What Comes Next

Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16, continuing a knockout run few predicted when they qualified as one of the best third-place finishers from Group D with four points. For Germany, the elimination marks a bitter end to a campaign that had begun promisingly with victories over Ivory Coast and Curaçao in Group E.espn+1

Paraguay's last appearance in the knockout rounds came in 2010, when they beat Japan on penalties in the Round of 16 before falling to Spain in the quarterfinals.espn+1