Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup, knocking out four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Monday, while Brazil and Morocco also secured places in the Round of 16 after thrilling victories.
Germany’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, suffering their first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shoot-out. The result marked a historic moment for Paraguay, who held their nerve to eliminate one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick after Jonathan Tah fired Germany’s effort over the crossbar.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead just before halftime, while Havertz equalised early in the second half for Germany. Tah also had a late header ruled out following a VAR review, adding to Germany’s frustration.
“We studied every penalty taker carefully, and thankfully I was able to make two saves,” Gill said after the match. “It’s a privilege to help eliminate a world champion.”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side fell short, saying, “We simply didn’t do enough today.”
Paraguay will now face the winner of Tuesday’s clash between France and Sweden in the Round of 16.
Brazil Leave It Late Against Japan
Brazil also survived a major scare, edging Japan 2-1 in Houston thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic 95th-minute winner.
Japan looked on course for a famous upset after Kaishu Sano fired them ahead in the 29th minute with a well-worked counterattack.
Brazil responded through Casemiro, who headed home from a Gabriel Magalhaes cross shortly after the restart.
With extra time looming, Japan surrendered possession deep into stoppage time, allowing Martinelli to seize the opportunity and score the decisive goal.
“I can’t describe the joy I feel,” Martinelli said after the match. “Seeing the fans, my family and friends celebrating means everything.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his players despite the defeat, saying they had shown the country’s continued growth on the world stage.
Brazil will now meet either Ivory Coast or Norway in the next round.
Morocco Edge Netherlands in Penalty Drama
Morocco completed another memorable night by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive save from Crysencio Summerville before Ismael Saibari converted the winning penalty to send the Atlas Lions through.
The Netherlands had appeared destined for victory after Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute. However, Morocco struck deep into stoppage time through Issa Diop to force extra time before eventually prevailing in the shoot-out.
Morocco coach Mohammed Ouahbi praised his team’s resilience.
“We stayed calm, trusted our quality and deserved to qualify. In knockout football, sometimes this is how victories come,” he said.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman expressed disappointment at his side’s inability to protect their lead, describing the late equaliser as a bitter setback.
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 as the World Cup knockout stage continues to deliver thrilling encounters.
