By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@APPhoto.
Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest shocks in tournament history by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Round of 16.
The Round of 32 clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finished 1-1 after extra time.
It was the Germans first defeat on penalties at a World Cup, and they have now failed to reach the last-16 since they last won the competition in 2014.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved the efforts of Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah fired over the bar, paving the way for Jose Canale to blast home the decisive spot kick.
Gill has some history of his own as a penalty stopper. He saved two for his club side San Lorenzo in a shootout against River Plate in an Apertura match in Argentina in May, although San Lorenzo eventually lost.
Last year in a quarter-final against Argentinos Juniors he pulled off the decisive save in another shootout.
Germany had 75% possession and 21 shots against Paraguay’s seven. But behind the numbers, Paraguay’s performance represented a defensive masterclass.
Julio Enciso – Paraguay’s most creative player so far – opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when he headed in a cross by Matias Galarza.
Havertz drew Germany level nine minutes into the second half with a glanced header from a Florian Wirtz cross.
The Europeans continued to struggle to pierce Paraguay’s defence. They thought they had won the game in extra time when Tah headed in a corner but the goal was ruled out after a VAR check for a foul on Gill.
Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the last 16 in Philadelphia on July 4.