Gustavo Gomez led the Paraguayan celebrations after their dramatic shootout win over Germany in Boston, handing the European giants their first World Cup penalty shootout defeat since 1976. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Paraguay prevailing 5-4 in the shootout.
Shootout drama unfolds
Germany missed three penalties, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failing to convert. Paraguay's José Canale scored the decisive spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations. Orlando Gill made a crucial save during the match, while Antonio Sanabria missed and Fabián Balbuena had his kick saved by Manuel Neuer.
Paraguay's defensive masterclass
Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro deployed a deep 4-5-1 formation that frustrated Germany throughout. By half-time, Germany had 79% possession and 308 passes to Paraguay's 55, yet trailed 1-0 after Julio Enciso's 5ft 6in power-header from a Matías Galarza cross in the 27th minute. Alfaro, a 63-year-old Argentinian, has spoken at this World Cup of football's duty to represent the poor and anti-Fifa.
Germany fight back but fall short
Germany equalised in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz crossed for Kai Havertz to head home. Jonathan Tah thought he had scored in extra time, but VAR ruled it out for a foul by Waldemar Anton on the goalkeeper. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann faced pressure after a poor group-stage performance against Ecuador, but stuck with Joshua Kimmich in midfield. The defeat likely ends Nagelsmann's tenure, with Jürgen Klopp a potential successor.
Historic result for Paraguay
This is arguably Paraguay's greatest football result, ending Germany's unbeaten shootout record since the original Panenka in 1976. Paraguay will face a last-16 tie in Philadelphia. The match was played at Boston Stadium, a venue described as having a sense of comfortable old-fashioned grandeur.
