Germany's World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Jonathan Tah's costly miss proved decisive as the South Americans pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, knocking Julian Nagelsmann's side out in the Round of 32 after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
Paraguay Punished Germany's Lack of Cutting Edge
Germany dominated possession from the opening whistle but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut chances. Paraguay, meanwhile, stayed compact, absorbed the pressure and waited patiently for opportunities on the break.
Their plan paid off just before halftime. Matías Galarza delivered an inviting cross into the box, where Julio Enciso rose highest to beat Manuel Neuer with a powerful header and put the underdogs in front.
Despite controlling large spells of the first half, Germany headed into the dressing room trailing.
Havertz Responds With Header
Nagelsmann's side looked far more dangerous after the restart and eventually found an equaliser.
Florian Wirtz curled in an excellent cross from the left, allowing Kai Havertz to guide a header beyond Orlando Gill and level the score.
Germany continued to push for a winner but repeatedly ran into Paraguay's disciplined defensive block. Their best chance came in extra time when Jonathan Tah appeared to have scored from a corner, only for VAR to rule the goal out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the build-up.
Penalty Shootout Ends in Heartbreak
The drama continued from the penalty spot.
Havertz saw Germany's opening penalty saved, while Paraguay converted with confidence to seize the advantage. Nick Woltemade also failed to beat Gill, leaving the Germans on the brink of elimination.
Although Antonio Sanabria missed and Neuer produced another save to briefly revive German hopes, the decisive moment came moments later. Jonathan Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar, handing Paraguay the chance to seal qualification.
José Canale made no mistake, firing home the winning spot-kick and sending Paraguay into the Round of 16.
Paraguay Celebrate Historic Triumph
Returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, Paraguay have already produced one of the competition's biggest surprises by eliminating one of football's traditional powerhouses.
They will now face the winner of France vs Sweden in the Round of 16.
For Germany, the defeat marks another painful chapter in a worrying World Cup trend. After group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, they have now fallen at the first knockout hurdle, extending an unprecedented run of disappointment for one of the tournament's most successful nations.