The contrast in scenes was striking: the Paraguayans celebrated wildly in front of their bench, turning to the stands where hundreds of their supporters cheered them on. The Germans, meanwhile, retreated to their technical area, some lying down with their faces in their hands. The Nationalmannschaft was eliminated in the round of 16 of the World Cup after a match of rare poor quality, but with plenty of drama culminating in a penalty shootout (1-1, 3-4 on penalties).
The expected balance of power was established from the start: Germany dominated possession to an astonishing degree (over 80%) but struggled to create danger. At times it resembled a cup match, and the underdogs Paraguay stunned the stadium by scoring through Enciso (42nd minute). Julian Nagelsmann made only one adjustment at halftime (Goretzka for Nmecha), and the Germans deservedly equalised quickly through Havertz (54th minute).
But they did too little overall to trouble Paraguay, aside from another Havertz header (78th) and one from Goretzka (86th). They thought they had found relief in extra time when Tah turned in a Brown corner (102nd), but the referee disallowed the goal after a VAR review. The qualification was ultimately decided on penalties, and in that exercise, the Paraguayans were more composed and mentally stronger to secure their place in the next round.
The player: José Canale (Paraguay)
It took nerves of steel in a rollercoaster penalty shootout. After two missed match points for Paraguay, José Canale stepped up with another opportunity at his feet. The central defender did not falter, sending his country into the round of 16 paradise (1-1, 3-4 on penalties). He had already been impeccable alongside his captain, Gustavo Gómez, in a rock-solid central defence, breached only once by Havertz (54th). But Canale perfectly handled the different striker profiles he faced (Undav, Havertz, Woltemade). Before becoming his team’s hero.
The fact: Paraguay awaits Les Bleus
Could France meet Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16? If Les Bleus beat Sweden on Tuesday, they will indeed face the South American side at this stage, in a remake of the 1998 encounter between the two nations at the Stade Bollaert in Lens. Aimé Jacquet’s men had to battle into extra time to overcome Paraguay thanks to a golden goal (a rule now abandoned) from Laurent Blanc at the end of the match.
