TUE JUNE 30 2026-theGBJournal| Paraguay stunned Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in Boston to book their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, producing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
In what was arguably the most enthralling, physical and bruising encounter of the competition so far, Paraguay combined defensive discipline with remarkable resilience to withstand sustained German pressure before prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Earlier in the day, Brazil also secured their place in the knockout stages after Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic late winner earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan.
From the opening whistle, the contest developed into a fierce tactical battle, with Germany dominating possession and dictating the tempo while Paraguay remained compact and disciplined.
Germany monopolised the ball, patiently building attacks with long spells of possession and a series of crosses and intricate passing moves in search of an opening.
Yet Paraguay’s defensive organisation proved outstanding, repeatedly frustrating the four-time world champions and forcing them into speculative efforts despite their territorial dominance.
Having absorbed sustained pressure, Paraguay struck with devastating efficiency in the 42nd minute. Julio Enciso finished off a swift counter-attack to give the South Americans a surprise lead, punishing Germany with one of Paraguay’s few clear opportunities of the first half.
Germany responded strongly after the interval and finally found the breakthrough in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz levelled the scores, setting up an absorbing finish.
What followed was an uncompromising contest featuring some of the crunchiest tackles and most robust challenges seen at this World Cup, with neither side willing to concede an inch as the match became increasingly physical.
Despite Germany’s relentless attacks and Paraguay’s determination to hit on the counter, neither side could find a decisive goal through the remainder of regulation time or extra time, sending the tie into a tense penalty shootout.
The shootout produced yet another dramatic twist. Paraguay twice failed to convert through Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena, allowing Germany a route back into the contest. However, goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, producing outstanding saves to deny both Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade.
With the pressure mounting in sudden death, Germany defender Jonathan Tah blazed his effort over the crossbar, handing Paraguay the chance to complete a famous victory.
Defender José Canale kept his composure, calmly converting the decisive penalty to spark jubilant celebrations as Paraguay secured a memorable place in the last 16.
Paraguay will now face the winners of France against Sweden for a place in the quarter-finals.
Earlier, Brazil needed a dramatic finish to overcome a resilient Japan side. Gabriel Martinelli struck a late winner to seal a slender 2-1 victory, ensuring the five-time world champions also progressed to the last 16 after surviving a stern test.
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