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Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Paraguay achieved a historic upset by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties in the World Cup round of 16, after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
  • Germany's penalty shootout struggles saw Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah miss their shots, while Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty for Paraguay.
  • This marks Germany's second consecutive group-stage exit and a significant blow to their international reputation, while Paraguay celebrates its biggest tournament win since reaching the quarterfinals in 2010.

In a stunning upset that reverberated through the World Cup, Paraguay has eliminated four-time champions Germany, securing a 4-3 victory on penalties after a grueling 1-1 draw that extended over 120 minutes. This result marks one of the most significant shocks in the tournament's history and propels the underdog South American nation into the round of 16.

I think the feeling we have is difficult to explain. I’m very proud of my teammates and of this group. Today was a match in which we had to be Paraguay more than ever.

— Gustavo GomezParaguay's captain expressing his pride and the team's determination after their historic victory over Germany.

The penalty shootout was a dramatic affair, with Germany's hopes crumbling as Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert from the spot. Paraguay, after missing two of their own attempts, saw Jose Canale step up and calmly slot home the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates and supporters.

I think deep down Germany knew that if they wanted to beat us, they would have to sweat blood, because we were going to make defeat very, very expensive for them.

— Gustavo GomezParaguay's captain highlighting the team's fighting spirit and the difficulty they presented to the favored German side.

For Germany, this defeat is a bitter pill to swallow and represents a continuation of their recent World Cup struggles. Having suffered a group-stage exit in 2018, this latest disappointment, coupled with their performance, leaves their international reputation in tatters. The team had a header disallowed in extra time, adding to their frustration.

I am disappointed. It was just not enough to beat this opponent. The opponent scored once and we did not defend very well. We lost control of possession. We tried a lot of things but we should have scored earlier.

— Julian NagelsmannGermany's coach reflecting on the team's performance and inability to overcome Paraguay.

Paraguay's captain, Gustavo Gomez, expressed the team's elation, stating, "I think the feeling we have is difficult to explain. I’m very proud of my teammates and of this group." He added, "Today was a match in which we had to be Paraguay more than ever." The victory is Paraguay's most significant at the tournament since their quarter-final appearance in 2010, ending a qualification drought and marking a triumphant return to the global stage. Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, acknowledged the disappointment, admitting, "If you are eliminated by Paraguay you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed."

If you are eliminated by Paraguay you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed.

— Julian NagelsmannGermany's coach expressing his deep disappointment with the team's elimination by Paraguay.
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Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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