Paraguay knock out Germany on penalties in stunning upset

Paraguay pulled off the shock of the World Cup, eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties at Gillette Stadium after a 1-1 draw. Level after 120 minutes, the tie went to a shootout Paraguay won 4-3, goalkeeper Gill saving before Canale sealed it. For Germany it is a chastening exit; for Paraguay, who reached the knockouts as the seventh of eight best thirds, it extends one of the most improbable runs of the tournament.

How it unfolded: Havertz, a Paraguay reply, VAR drama, penalties

Kai Havertz put Germany ahead, but Paraguay levelled to force extra time. The flashpoint came when Germany had a goal ruled out by a contentious VAR review in the additional period, denying them a winner. With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, the shootout followed: Gill made the decisive save and Canale converted the clincher to send Paraguay through.

Context: a giant falls, a fairytale rolls on

Germany's elimination is the tournament's biggest shock so far — a four-time champion undone by a best-third qualifier and a contentious VAR call that denied them an extra-time winner at the cruellest moment. It is an exit that will prompt hard questions back home. Paraguay, written off before the finals, have ridden organisation, resilience and shootout nerve into the last 16, with goalkeeper Gill the symbol of a run built on belief against the odds — and a nation now dreaming of how much further it might go.

The next step: Paraguay march on

Paraguay advance to the Round of 16 to face the winner of France against Sweden on July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field; Germany exit at the Round of 32. Our forecast of Germany-or-draw landed — the match finished level in regulation — though it was Paraguay who progressed from the spot in a result few saw coming.