Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens): Historic Penalty Heartbreak for Die Mannschaft

# Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens): Historic Penalty Heartbreak for Die Mannschaft

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — For the first time in their storied World Cup history, Germany walked off a penalty shootout as losers. Paraguay, a side ranked 31 places below them, sent the four-time champions home from the Round of 32 with a 4-3 shootout win after a 1-1 draw, delivering the fourth-biggest knockout upset by ranking gap in tournament history.

Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the 42nd minute, glancing a header from a Miguel Almirón cross past Manuel Neuer. Germany responded nine minutes into the second half through Kai Havertz, who met a Joshua Kimmich delivery with a deft near-post flick. For the remainder of regulation and most of extra time, both sides cancelled each other out, with chances scarce.

The decisive twist came in the 102nd minute. Germany thought they had taken the lead when Jonathan Tah powered a header from a corner into the net. But referee Iván Barton was called to the monitor after a lengthy VAR review. Replays showed Germany defender Waldemar Anton making contact with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, impeding his ability to play the ball. Barton overturned the goal. Germany players swarmed the official in protest, but the decision stood.

“We had two hands on the goalkeeper, clear foul,” Barton later told pool reporters. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann declined to comment on the call, instead praising his team’s effort.

The match went to penalties, and the drama only deepened. Gill, who had been protected by the VAR call, became the hero. He saved Havertz’s opening spot-kick, diving low to his left. Kimmich equalized for Germany in the second round, but Gill struck again in the third, parrying Nick Woltemade’s weak effort. Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria then blazed wide, and Neuer saved from Fabián Balbuena, giving Germany a lifeline. Nadiem Amiri converted to level the shootout at 3-3.

With everything riding on the fifth round, Germany’s Jonathan Tah stepped up. Gill had saved twice already, and the pressure was immense. Tah opted for power and placement, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Paraguay’s Angel Canale kept his composure, sending Neuer the wrong way to seal the win.

Germany had won all four of their previous World Cup penalty shootouts. The record is gone. Paraguay advance to face the winner of the Netherlands-Senegal tie, but for now, they celebrate a monumental upset born of a VAR decision and two saves from a 23-year-old goalkeeper.