Major upset in FIFA World Cup 2026 as Paraguay beats Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
From the very beginning of the match, the Paraguayan team showed strong intent. They consistently put pressure on the German squad.
Paraguay reaped the reward in the 42nd minute of the game. Julio Enciso scored with a brilliant header, giving his team a crucial 1-0 lead.
Germany's performance in the first half was quite disappointing. The team failed to create any significant chances and could not score an equalizer.
At the start of the second half, Germany intensified their efforts to make a comeback. In the 53rd minute, Kai Havertz scored to level the score at 1-1.
Shortly after, Germany earned a corner and managed to score from it. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed the goal.
VAR found that a foul had been committed on the Paraguayan goalkeeper before the goal, dashing Germany's hopes of taking the lead.
Neither team could score another goal in the regulation 90 minutes or in extra time. The match was then destined to be decided by a penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout began like a nightmare for Germany. The team's star player, Kai Havertz, missed his very first attempt.
Germany missed a total of three penalties, which proved to be very costly for them. Meanwhile, Paraguay also missed two chances but ultimately managed to maintain their composure.
"This is one of the most incredible moments in World Cup history. No one expected Germany to be knocked out of the tournament in this fashion."
Finally, Paraguay won the shootout 4-3, securing their place in the Round of 16 and stunning the football world.
With this defeat, an unwanted record has been registered in Germany's name. This is the first time in World Cup history that the German team has been eliminated after losing a penalty shootout.
Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany's performance in major tournaments has been consistently poor. This loss is a major disappointment for them.
This upset is being compared to the 1994 World Cup when Bulgaria knocked out the then-reigning champion Germany in the quarterfinals.
Paraguay's historic victory has made them the 'dark horse' of the tournament, while Germany will have to return home to reflect on their mistakes.
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