Germany lost in a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time when they lost to underdog Paraguay in the round of 32.
Kai Havertz canceled out Julio Enciso’s first-half opener, but the Arsenal forward was joined by Newcastle’s Nick Waltemaeid to keep their spot-kick out of the way for Orlando Road before Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Ta scored to allow Jose Canale to seal a last-16 tie against France or Sweden.
Germany have not won a tie at a World Cup tournament since winning their fourth World Cup title in 2014 and were harshly denied a controversial VAR decision when Tach’s powerful header late in extra time was ruled out for a soft foul on Waldemar Anton on Gil.
However, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team looked dismal in the first half, failing to make a shot and falling behind despite having 78% possession.
Paraguay has won all four of its World Cup penalties in penalty shoot-outs and still cannot rely on them. Even when Paraguay squandered two chances to win as Antonio Sanabria produced a superb effort and Manuel Neuer saved Fabian Valbuena’s stunning finale.
Why Germany lost the World Cup’s first penalty shootout…
- 0-0: Havertz denied it! Gill makes a save high on the left.
- 0-1: Advantages of Paraguay! Mauricio buried it in the lower right corner.
Kai Havertz was stopped by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil.
- 1-1: Make no mistake! Kimmich remains calm.
- 1-2: Forward again! Gomez sent Neuer the wrong way.
- 2-2: Musilla level! A solid attack in the corner.
- 2-3: Cool as you want! Galarza curled his effort into the bottom left corner.
- 2-3: get! Waltemaad was rejected! Paraguay has a chance to win…
Nick Waltemaeid’s reaction after blocking a penalty kick
- 2-3: I missed it! Sanabria’s spot kick went wide of the left post. Germany still needs to score a goal…
- 3-3: Still alive! Amiri keeps Germany in line, but Paraguay has another chance to win…
- 3-3: Neuer saves! The goalkeeper’s dive to the left was greatly blocked. In sudden death…
Manuel Neuer saves to keep Germany’s hopes alive
- 3-3: I miss you so much! Wow, the centre-back is shining to give Paraguay another chance to win…
- 3-4: They did it! Canale hits the top corner to put Germany away!
Orlando Gil celebrates Paraguay’s huge penalty shoot-out win.
Havertz apologizes after defeat
German striker Kai Havertz said:
“I am at a loss for words. This is my second World Cup and both times it was a failure. All I can do is apologize.
“We have to take a hard look at ourselves, especially our players. A coach won’t do that.”
Gomez: We can face any situation
Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez said:
“It’s hard to describe that feeling, I’m very proud of my teammates and the group.
“I am most impressed by our unity. We have incredible strength to cope with any situation. Germany knew that they would have to work incredibly hard to beat us.”
