Germany suffered a stunning exit from the World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw in their last-32 clash in Foxborough on Monday.
The defeat marked Germany’s first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Paraguay took a surprise first-half lead through Julio Enciso, who headed home from Matias Galarza’s cross after Germany failed to clear a corner. Kai Havertz restored parity in the 54th minute, glancing Florian Wirtz’s cross into the far corner for his third goal of the tournament.
Germany dominated the latter stages and thought they had found a winner in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match went to penalties, where Gill saved efforts from Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Despite Paraguay missing two opportunities to seal victory, Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick after Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar.
The result sends Paraguay into the last 16, where they are likely to face France, while Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign comes to an abrupt end.
