Boston, June 30 (QNA) - Paraguay booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after edging four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round-of-32 clash.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on one of his side's few first-half opportunities. Germany responded nine minutes into the second half, with Kai Havertz heading home a pinpoint cross from Florian Wirtz to restore parity.
Germany dominated much of the remainder of the match but were repeatedly denied by Paraguay's resilient defense and an inspired Orlando Gil, who produced a string of crucial saves to force the tournament's first extra-time encounter and subsequent penalty shootout.
The Germans thought they had found a winner in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah scored, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review found Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Gil in the buildup.
Gil then capped a standout performance by saving Havertz's penalty in the shootout, helping Paraguay seal a 4-3 victory and complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.
Paraguay will face the winner of Sunday's Round-of-32 match between France and Sweden in the Round of 16, while Germany's World Cup campaign came to an unexpected end at the first knockout hurdle. (QNA)