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Paraguay knock out four-time champions Germany on penalties in World Cup shocker to reach round of 16
Jose Canale hit the decisive penalty to give the underdogs a memorable victory and spark wild celebrations, as they advanced to the next round.
Missing the opening penalty in a shootout can unsettle an entire team, and that is exactly what happened to Germany against Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 32. As the pressure mounted with every kick, the four-time world champions lost their composure and crashed out in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. It was yet another disappointing World Cup exit for Germany, whose fortunes have steadily declined since lifting the trophy in 2014. Despite flashes of quality, they have struggled to assemble a squad capable of mounting a genuine title challenge. Against Paraguay, they fought back to force extra time, with the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes. But when the contest came down to nerve and precision from the spot, Germany fell short, extending a difficult run that has become all too familiar on football's biggest stage.
Kai Havertz, who had earlier scored Germany's goal, stepped up to take the opening penalty but saw his effort saved, handing Paraguay an early advantage in the shootout. Maurício made no mistake with Paraguay's first kick to put his side in front. Joshua Kimmich responded calmly for Germany, but the pressure was already beginning to build. Gustavo Gomez restored Paraguay's lead with another confident finish, while Jamal Musiala kept Germany alive by converting his attempt, although Orlando Gill guessed the right way and came close to making the save. Paraguay then made it three successful penalties from three to move 3-2 ahead, leaving Germany with little room for error. Nick Woltemade couldn't deliver when it mattered most, striking a weak effort that Gill comfortably stopped to leave Germany on the brink. Paraguay had the chance to finish the contest immediately, but they lost their composure, missing two penalties in succession, one of them brilliantly saved by Manuel Neuer.
Germany were handed one final lifeline, with Jonathan Tah stepping up to keep their hopes alive. Instead, he blazed his penalty over the bar, leaving Paraguay just one kick away from victory. Jose Canale held his nerve, firing his effort into the back of the net to seal a famous win. The successful spot-kick sent Paraguay into the Round of 16 and completed a stunning upset over the four-time world champions.
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Nagelsmann admitted Germany weren't good enough
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann now faces intense scrutiny after another disappointing exit on football's biggest stage. Having publicly declared that Germany were targeting a fifth World Cup title, Nagelsmann admitted his side fell well short against Paraguay.
"I am disappointed. It was just not enough to beat this opponent," said Nagelsmann, who had publicly set Germany the goal of winning a fifth World Cup. "The opponent scored once and we did not defend very well. We lost control of possession. We tried a lot of things but we should have scored earlier."
“If you are eliminated by Paraguay you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed," he said.
