Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties to Reach World Cup Round of 16
La Albirroja ended Germany’s unbeaten World Cup shootout record after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 3-4 penalty shootout victory.
Table of Contents
Paraguay Knock Out Germany in World Cup Classic
Paraguay booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Germany 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw that lasted through 120 minutes.
The Round of 32 clash had everything. There was an opening goal, a comeback, extra-time drama, a VAR decision, missed penalties, and a heroic goalkeeping performance from Paraguay’s Gill.
As a result, Germany’s World Cup campaign came to an end, while Paraguay celebrated one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.
Enciso Breaks the Deadlock Before Half-Time
Germany controlled possession for long periods during the opening half.
However, Paraguay remained disciplined in defence and looked dangerous whenever they attacked.
Their patience paid off in the 42nd minute.
Julio Enciso found space inside the penalty area before calmly finishing beyond Manuel Neuer to give Paraguay a deserved 1-0 lead just before the break.
The goal stunned the Germans and gave Paraguay momentum heading into the second half.
Havertz Leads Germany’s Fightback
Germany responded immediately after the restart.
Only nine minutes into the second half, Kai Havertz finished a well-worked move to level the score at 1-1 in the 54th minute.
The equaliser changed the rhythm of the game as Germany increased the pressure in search of a winner.
Nevertheless, Paraguay defended with determination and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Despite several opportunities at both ends, neither side could find another goal during normal time.
VAR Denies Germany in Extra Time
The contest remained evenly balanced throughout extra time.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback when Jonathan Tah found the back of the net.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for an infringement, keeping the score at 1-1.
That decision ensured the match would be settled by a penalty shootout.
Gill Becomes Paraguay’s Hero in the Shootout
The penalty shootout immediately swung in Paraguay’s favour. Kai Havertz, whose goal had rescued Germany during regulation, stepped up to take the opening penalty.
However, Paraguay goalkeeper Gill guessed correctly and made a superb save.
Mauricio then calmly converted Paraguay’s first kick to hand his side the early advantage.
Joshua Kimmich responded by scoring Germany’s second attempt.
Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez confidently restored his team’s lead before Jamal Musiala kept Germany alive with another successful penalty.
Agustín Galarza converted Paraguay’s third kick to make it 3-2The turning point came moments later.
Gill produced another outstanding save, this time denying Nick Woltemade to leave Germany under even greater pressure.
Paraguay had the opportunity to finish the contest immediately, yet Antonio Sanabria dragged his penalty wide.
Germany received another lifeline when Nadiem Amiri scored to reduce the deficit.
Next, Manuel Neuer saved Fabián Balbuena’s penalty to give Germany one final opportunity to stay in the competition.
Instead, Jonathan Tah, whose extra-time goal had already been ruled out by VAR, blasted Germany’s next penalty over the crossbar.
That miss left the door open for Paraguay.
Canale stepped forward with confidence and fired his penalty beyond Neuer to secure a famous 5-3 shootout victory and send Paraguay into the quarter-finals.
Historic Night for Paraguay
Before this encounter, both Germany and Paraguay had never lost a penalty shootout at the FIFA World Cup.
That remarkable record guaranteed one team’s perfect run would end. This time, Paraguay kept their composure when it mattered most.
Gill’s two crucial saves, combined with Canale’s decisive finish, secured a memorable victory that will be remembered for years.
Meanwhile, Germany leave the tournament with deep disappointment after seeing a potential extra-time winner overturned by VAR before falling in a dramatic shootout.
Paraguay now march into the World Cup quarter-finals full of confidence, while Germany’s dream of lifting a fifth world title comes to an end.
Brazil late winner agaisnt Japan takes them into the Round of 16.
Follow Habanaija.com to be updated on the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Author: Sheriff Ogunremi
Sheriff is a versatile creative professional skilled in digital art, animation, and content design. He brings clarity and charm to every project, from visual storytelling to engaging community-focused content.
