Paraguay shocks Germany in penalty shootout, advances to FIFA World Cup Round of 16
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Paraguay authored the biggest upset of the FIFA World Cup knockout stage Monday, stunning four-time world champion Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after the sides battled to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes at Gillette Stadium.
Paraguay prevailed 4-2 on penalties, eliminating one of the tournament favorites and punching its ticket to the Round of 16 after neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time.
Germany struck first in the 37th minute when Jamal Musiala finished a flowing attacking move, giving Julian Nagelsmann’s side a deserved halftime advantage after controlling possession for much of the opening period. Paraguay responded in the 69th minute as Julio Enciso found space inside the penalty area and calmly slotted home the equalizer, silencing the heavily pro-Germany crowd.
The Germans pushed relentlessly for a late winner, generating the majority of the chances while dominating possession and outshooting Paraguay over 120 minutes. Paraguay, however, remained organized defensively, received another outstanding performance from goalkeeper Gatito Fernández, and repeatedly frustrated Germany’s talented attack.
Neither team could break the deadlock during the two 15-minute extra-time periods, sending the match to penalties.
Paraguay converted four of its spot kicks, while Germany missed twice as the South Americans completed one of the tournament’s signature upsets. The victory sends Paraguay into the Round of 16, while Germany exits far earlier than expected despite entering the knockout stage as one of the betting favorites to lift the World Cup trophy.
Germany finished with advantages in possession, total shots and shots on target, but Paraguay capitalized on its opportunities and once again demonstrated why knockout soccer often rewards resilience as much as talent.
For Paraguay, Monday’s victory ranks among the most memorable in the nation’s World Cup history. For Germany, it marks another disappointing early exit on the sport’s biggest stage.
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