BOSTON:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup saw a major upset as four-time world champions Germany were knocked out by Paraguay after a thrilling 3-4 defeat on penalties.
The match was 1-1 after regulation and overtime, and after that the decision went to penalties.
For Germany, Arsenal forward Kai Havartz and Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade missed penalties which were brilliantly saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
On the other hand, Paraguay was losing chances at the beginning. Antonio Sanabria’s penalty missed the target, while Fabian Balbuena’s effort was saved by 40-year-old German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
However, Germany’s Jonathan Tah’s sudden death penalty went over the crossbar after Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty to give his side a memorable 4-3 victory.
Earlier in the 42nd minute of the first half, Julio Anceso, who played for former Premier League team Brighton and Ipswich Town, gave Paraguay the lead.
Germany staged a strong comeback in the second half and Kai Havertz equalized with a header from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wertz’s excellent cross.
Germany even started to celebrate the victory in extra time when Jonathan Tah fired the ball into the net but after VAR the goal was disallowed by Waldemar Anton for a foul on the defender.
Paraguay will now face two-time world champions France or 1958 Sweden in the pre-quarterfinals. After this historic victory, the players and fans of Paraguay celebrated on the field, Germany’s World Cup tour ended in an unexpected way.
