BOSTON (Kashmir English): Paraguay became the third team to move into the Round of 16 after they pulled off a historic World Cup shocker by defeating Germany 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time, at Boston Stadium.
In a highly anticipated do-or-die fixture in the Round of 32, Germany controlled 75% of the possession but struggled to penetrate the robust South American low block.
Julio Enciso stunned the four-time world champions in the 42nd minute, executing a brilliant header past Manuel Neuer.
Germany, however, played an aggressive game in the second half, leveling the score 1–1 in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz beautifully redirected a cross into the net.
During the first half of extra time, Jonathan Tah scored a goal for Germany, however, a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review ruled the goal out, citing a soft foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The penalty shootout
With both teams level after the extra time, the match progressed to a dramatic penalty shootout.
Havertz missed Germany’s opening penalty, while subsequent misses by Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah sealed Die Mannschaft’s fate.
José Canale coolly converted the decisive final penalty for Paraguay to find their berth in the Round of 16.
