World Cup Shock! Germany knocked out in Round of 16

Paraguay Takes the Lead

In only the second minute of play, DFB goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was called into action for the first time. After a corner, Junior Alonso tried his luck from close range, but Neuer saved it. Otherwise, Germany dominated possession but initially failed to create clear-cut chances. This was also due to their opponents, who defended very compactly and offered little space.

The game meandered somewhat – until Paraguay took the lead out of nowhere. Following a corner, Matias Galarza brought the ball into the middle. There, the 1.68-meter tall Julio Enciso stood completely unmarked and headed in for 0:1.

Subsequently, Germany finally created chances. Felix Nmecha's shot was deflected (45+2), and Joshua Kimmich couldn't get the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Gill after a corner kick (45+3).

Havertz Equalizes

Nagelsmann made a substitution at half-time, with Leon Goretzka coming on for Nmecha. And yet, Germany almost conceded a second goal: Enciso won the ball against Kimmich, but Neuer was able to prevent it from becoming 0:2 in the one-on-one (50.).

On the other side, Germany managed to equalize. A cross from Florian Wirtz found the head of Kai Havertz, with the Arsenal player flicking it on for 1:1 (54.).

test — Havertz gleicht zum 1:1 aus
Foto: ©IMAGO / ZUMA Press

Subsequently, the match significantly fizzled out again. It wasn't until the 78th minute that the next chance arose – and it belonged to the Germans. Wirtz crossed again, Havertz headed – but Gill saved (78.). A minute earlier, in a counter-attacking opportunity, Paraguay's Gustavo Caballero was offside. No more goals were scored, and the game went into extra time.

Controversial Referee Decision

There, substitute Nick Woltemade had the first chance, his shot being blocked by Gustavo Gomez (97.). From their 13th corner, Germany finally scored: Jonathan Tah powerfully headed the ball into the net at the far post for 2:1 (102.). However: After a VAR review, the referee disallowed the goal, citing a foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguay's goalkeeper in front of the goal – a rather harsh decision.

Corners continued to pose the most danger. Waldemar Anton, however, headed straight into Gill's arms (119.), and Nadiem Amiri shot a free-kick wide (120+1). The match went into a penalty shootout.

Paraguay Goalie Becomes the Hero

Havertz, the very first shooter, failed against Gill, with Mauricio putting Paraguay in the lead. Captain Kimmich scored, as did Gomez. Gill got a hand to Jamal Musiala's attempt but couldn't prevent the goal. Galarza sent Neuer the wrong way to make it 3:2, and Gill then saved against Woltemade. Antonio Sanabria missed the first match point, shooting wide – Amiri equalized. Manuel Neuer saved Fabian Balbuena's second match point.

Jonathan Tah, as the sixth shooter, blasted the ball high over the goal – and with their third chance to advance, Jose Canale finally converted.

With their 3:4 victory in the penalty shootout, Paraguay advances to the Round of 16. There, they await the winner of the clash between France and Sweden.