Paraguay defeats Germany in penalty shootout to advance to World Cup Round of 16

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Los Angeles, June 30) In the World Cup knockout stage, Germany faced Paraguay. The match ended 1-1 after regular and extra time, with Paraguay winning the penalty shootout 4-3 to advance to the Round of 16 and eliminate Germany.

Paraguay had only 26% possession in the first half but employed a low block (retreating deep into their own half, even near the edge of their penalty area, to compress the opponent's attacking space and prevent them from scoring), effectively neutralizing Germany's attacks and proving tactically successful. In the 42nd minute, Paraguay seized an opportunity, with Julio Enciso scoring a brilliant header to give Paraguay the lead.

According to the FIFA official website, this was Paraguay's first goal in the World Cup knockout stage in their history, having failed to score in their previous five World Cup knockout matches.

Germany, trailing by one goal, finally equalized in the 54th minute. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz sent a long pass from the left, which Kai Havertz headed into the net in front of the goal.

Neither team scored again after the regulation 90 minutes, and the match went into extra time. In the 104th minute of the first half of extra time, Germany's Jonathan Tah scored with a header, but after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, it was determined that a German player had fouled the Paraguayan goalkeeper, and the goal was disallowed. Neither team scored in extra time, and the two sides proceeded to the first penalty shootout of the tournament.

During the penalty shootout, Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Daniel Gill performed brilliantly, saving two shots, and became the hero in defeating Germany.

Paraguay's opponent in the Round of 16 will be the winner of the match between France and Sweden. (Compiled by Chen Yi-wei) 1150630

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