Paraguay stuns Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

The contrast in scenes was striking: Paraguay’s players danced in front of their bench, turning to the stands where hundreds of supporters celebrated them. Germany’s players, on the other hand, huddled in their technical area, some lying on the ground with their faces in their hands. Die Nationalmannschaft was eliminated in the round of 16 of the World Cup after a match of rare poverty, but with plenty of drama in the penalty shootout (1-1, 3-4 on penalties).

The expected balance of power set in from the start: Germany monopolized possession to staggering levels (over 80% ball possession) but struggled immensely to create danger. It sometimes resembled a French Cup match, and the underdog Paraguayans stunned the entire stadium when Enciso scored (42′). Julian Nagelsmann made only one adjustment at halftime (Goretzka for Nmecha), and Germany deservedly equalized quickly through Havertz (54′).

But they did too little overall to trouble Paraguay, except for another Havertz header (78′) and one from Goretzka (86′). They thought they had found relief in extra time when Tah converted a corner from Brown (102′), but the referee disallowed the goal after a VAR review. Qualification ultimately came down to penalties, and in that exercise, the Paraguayans were more accurate and mentally stronger to secure their place in the next round.

The player: José Canale (Paraguay)

You needed a strong heart in a roller-coaster penalty shootout. After Paraguay missed two match points, José Canale stepped up with another chance at his feet. The center-back did not tremble as he sent his country to the paradise of the round of 16 (1-1, 3-4 on penalties). He had already been impeccable alongside captain Gustavo Gomez in an unyielding central defensive partnership, breached only once by Havertz (54′). Canale masterfully handled the various types of attackers he faced (Undav, Havertz, Woltemade) before becoming his team’s hero.

The fact: Paraguay awaits France

What if the French team meets Paraguay in the round of 16 of a World Cup? If France qualifies against Sweden on Tuesday, the Blues will face the South American team at this stage, a replay of the 1998 encounter between the two nations at Stade Bollaert in Lens. Aimé Jacquet’s men had to battle until extra time to overcome Paraguay thanks to a golden goal (a rule since abandoned) by Laurent Blanc at the end of the match.