Paraguay ended Germany's unbeaten run in FIFA World Cup penalty shootouts on Monday US local time), beating the four-time champion 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the last 16, reported Xinhua.
It came as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. Paraguay, who advanced from Group D as one of the eight best third-placed teams, executed a disciplined defensive game plan to perfection after being tipped as the underdog before kickoff.
Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into the lead three minutes before halftime, marking the country's first-ever goal in the World Cup knockout stage, before Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute.
Germany thought they had completed a comeback in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah headed home, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The tie went to penalties, where Jose Canale converted the decisive spot kick after Germany missed three of its five attempts.
Germany, appearing in its 21st World Cup, had topped Group E after scoring 10 goals in the group stage. The match was its 12th World Cup game to go to extra time, the most by any team. Germany entered the shootout with a perfect World Cup penalty record after winning its previous four shootouts in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 2006, but that run came to an end against Paraguay.
Paraguay will face the winner of Tuesday's clash between France and Sweden for a place in the quarterfinals.
- Germany
- Paraguay
- WC
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
