The scene could not have been more contrasting: Paraguay’s bench erupted into celebration as their players danced in front of the jubilant crowd, while Germany’s team huddled in stunned silence on the field. The Nationalmannschaft, already eliminated in the group stage of the last two editions, suffered another historic setback in a match that exposed glaring weaknesses despite their 80% ball possession.

A match of missed opportunities

Germany dominated possession from the first whistle, controlling the game with technical precision. Yet their inability to convert chances mirrored a team struggling against compact defensive blocks. Paraguay, the tournament’s dark horse, stunned the stadium with a 42nd-minute strike from Enciso, capitalizing on a rare lapse in Germany’s high line.

Julian Nagelsmann’s only substitution at halftime (Goretzka for Nmecha) did little to shift the momentum. Germany equalized swiftly through Havertz (54th), but their attacking rhythm remained erratic. A missed chance by Goretzka in the 78th minute and a header by Havertz in the 86th were the closest they came to regaining control.

Controversy and composure decide the fate

In extra time, Tah’s header from a Brown corner (102nd) appeared to give Germany the lead, but the goal was controversially ruled out by VAR. The tension escalated as the match hurtled toward penalties—where Paraguay’s mental resilience shone. Despite two early misses by their own players, the Paraguayan side held their nerve, with defender José Canale stepping up to seal their historic victory.

Canale’s redemption and Paraguay’s heroics

José Canale, who had partnered Gustavo Gomez in a near-flawless defensive partnership, faced the ultimate test in the shootout. After two of his teammates missed, the central defender stepped up to take the decisive penalty, sending Paraguay into the quarterfinals. His composure under pressure highlighted a team that thrived in adversity, outdueling Germany’s vaunted attack.

Next stop: the French challenge

The Paraguayan team now prepares to face France in the Round of 16—a rematch of their 1998 World Cup clash in Lens, where the hosts prevailed 1-0 in extra time via Laurent Blanc’s golden goal. With Mbappé and company in peak form, the South Americans face an even greater test against the tournament favorites.