Paraguay pulled off one of the World Cup’s biggest shocks, eliminating Germany on penalties at Gillette Stadium after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes in Foxborough.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominated almost every metric but could not find a way through, and the Paraguayans pulled off an all-time stunner ending with a Jose Canale kick from the spot to settle the shootout 4-3.
Germany controlled the ball from the first whistle yet found Gustavo Alfaro’s well-drilled side a stubborn obstacle, with chances rationed in a flat opening period.
Then came the sucker punch before the break.
The first ever goal at the knockout stages for Paraguay and this is a big one against Germany, scored with a great header from Julio Enciso and a nice assist from Matias Galarza.
Nagelsmann reacted at the interval and the response arrived just after the hour. Germany levelled as a lovely Wirtz ball curled its way into the box before being deftly flicked on by Havertz.
Florian Wirtz’s delivery was sublime, marking his third assist of the tournament and dragging the four-time champions back into a contest they had threatened to dominate without reward.
Germany thought they had snatched it in extra time, only for VAR to intervene. Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner, but after a review the goal was ruled out because Waldemar Anton was judged to have impeded goalkeeper Gill.
Orlando Gill was the wall Germany could not breach, repelling everything thrown at him as the chances mounted. Havertz had a big chance to score the 2-1 winner but Gill made a key save to deny the German striker.
The numbers told a story of relentless yet fruitless pressure. Germany controlled the match, outshooting Paraguay 21-7 and holding a 6-3 edge in shots on target, with Gill making six saves while Manuel Neuer was called on for just two.
In the shootout the drama swung wildly, with Kai Havertz, Niclas Woltemade and finally Tah all failing from twelve yards for Germany after Kimmich, Musiala and Nadiem Amiri had converted.
Neuer kept his side breathing by saving from Fabian Balbuena and Antonio Sanabria spurned a chance to win it, but Canale held his nerve to send La Albirroja through.
It is a remarkable result for Paraguay, who finished third in Group D and are back in the knockout stages in their first World Cup campaign for 16 years, having now claimed the scalp they craved.
For Germany, who topped Group E with six points, it is a chastening early exit that lays bare the attacking frailties that lingered from their group-stage stumble against Ecuador.
Alfaro’s side march on to the last 16, leaving Nagelsmann to reflect on a dominant display undone by missed chances, a disallowed goal and the unforgiving lottery of penalties.