Germany Faces First Ever World Cup Penalty Shootout Defeat, Exits in Unexpected Upset
Image credit, EPA/Shutterstock
Four-time World Cup champion Germany was defeated by Paraguay in this tournament and was surprisingly eliminated.
After the match ended in a 1-1 draw following extra time, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout.
This marks the first time Germany has lost a penalty shootout in a World Cup competition.
How Did the Penalty Shootout Unfold?
English Premier League winner Arsenal’s forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade both failed to score during the shootout.
After two Paraguayan players also missed their attempts, Germany’s Jonathan Tah struck the ball over the post on the sixth penalty, allowing Paraguay’s Jose Canales to convert his chance successfully.
During regular play, Paraguay’s Julio Enciso scored in the 42nd minute to take the lead.
However, Germany showed improved performance in the second half with Kai Havertz equalizing in the 54th minute.
Paraguay remained defensively strong, pushing the match into extra time.
With the score still tied after extra time, the shootout began with Havertz missing his first attempt.
Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
Underestimated Team Causes Germany’s Exit
Germany has won the World Cup four times, in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014.
However, the team has failed to secure the title in the last three tournaments.
Image credit, Reuters
In both 2018 and 2022, Germany failed to advance beyond the group stage.
This time, they progressed from the group stage but lost in the Round of 32 to Paraguay, who are 31 places lower in the FIFA rankings.
Paraguay had beaten the United States 4-1 in their opening group match and finished third in Group D, advancing to the knockout stage.
This is Germany’s first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Previously, Germany’s only major tournament penalty shootout defeat was to Czechoslovakia in the 1976 European Championship final.
Brazil Triumphs
In another match on Monday night, Brazil defeated Japan.
A goal by Gabriel Martinelli in the 95th minute secured Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan.
Japan had shown strong performance in the first half with Kaishu Sano scoring in the 29th minute.
However, Brazil’s Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute of the second half.
Brazil has previously won the World Cup five times: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.
Now Brazil will face the winner of the match between Norway and Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.
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