Eliminating Germany in penalty shootout Paraguay makes history

Germany have long been regarded as the masters of penalty shootouts in World Cup history. That reputation came to an end as Paraguay stunned the four-time champions, winning 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium to book their place in the Round of 16.

The result marked Germany's first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout, making it a historic night for Paraguay. After neither side could be separated over 120 minutes of football, the contest was ultimately decided from the spot.

Germany dominated much of the first half, enjoying the lion's share of possession while creating a series of attacks through crosses, corners, and sustained pressure. However, Paraguay remained disciplined, organized, and patient, waiting for their opportunity.

That chance arrived in the 42nd minute. A Paraguay attack that began with a Miguel Almirón corner ended with a precise cross from Matías Galarza, which Julio Enciso headed into the net to give the South Americans a 1-0 lead at halftime despite seeing much less of the ball.

Germany came out with greater attacking intent after the break and found their equalizer in the 54th minute. Florian Wirtz delivered an excellent cross, and Kai Havertz rose to head home, bringing the four-time world champions back into the match. Paraguay, however, refused to buckle under the pressure.

Germany continued to push for a winner throughout the remainder of regulation time and into extra time. The biggest moment came in the 105th minute when Jonathan Tah found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review determined that Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill had been impeded.

The match then headed to penalties, where Germany suffered an early setback. Gill saved Havertz's opening spot-kick before denying Nick Woltemade as well. Nadiem Amiri converted to keep Germany's hopes alive, while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer briefly revived their chances by saving Fabián Balbuena's penalty. But Germany ultimately failed to capitalize.

In sudden death, Jonathan Tah blasted his effort well over the crossbar, handing Paraguay the opportunity to win. José Canale stepped up and calmly fired his penalty into the net, sealing a famous victory and ending Germany's World Cup campaign.

Paraguay were not flawless from the spot either. Antonio Sanabria sent one penalty wide, and Balbuena's effort was saved by Neuer. Nevertheless, Paraguay held their nerve in the decisive moments. Inspired by Gill's crucial saves, a resilient defensive performance, and Canale's winning penalty, La Albirroja wrote a memorable new chapter in the nation's football history.

For Germany, the defeat was especially painful. It was their first World Cup knockout match since the 2014 final, and after finally returning to the knockout stage following a lengthy absence, they were eliminated on penalties—the very stage where they had built a reputation for being virtually unbeatable.