Foxborough: Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany with a wild penalty shootout (4-3) win after the two teams were tied at 1-1 in regulation time in the Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 here at Boston Stadium.
Germany had never lost on penalties at the FIFA World Cup. After being down and out seemingly, Manuel Neuer got them back on level terms, only for Paraguay to finally seize their third spot-kick shot at reaching the last 16.
Julio Enciso put La Albirroja ahead in the 42nd minute. The Germans used their own aerial prowess to equalise with Kai Havertz diverting Florian Wirtz’s cross into the bottom corner. After another header, from Jonathan Tah, was ruled out, the tie went to a shootout.
Gill repelled two penalties in it to leave the Paraguayans all but through, only for Manuel Neuer to inspire a remarkable fightback. Finally, with what was the third spot-kick the Paraguayans had to progress, Jose Canale kept his cool to send Gustavo Alfaro’s charges through.
Germany started the penalty shootout but immediately found themselves on the back foot when Kai Havertz hit his spot-kick straight at the Paraguay goalkeeper. Mauricio capitalised on the error by burying his shot into the corner, though Joshua Kimmich quickly responded for the Germans, hesitating before confidently converting his effort.
Gustavo Gomez then struck well to put Paraguay ahead 2-1, only for Jamal Musiala to level the score at 2-2 with an effortless finish. The drama intensified as Matias Galarza successfully converted to put Paraguay on the brink of victory after Nick Woltemade’s subsequent effort for Germany was saved.
Mbappe shatters all-time knockout goals recordNew Jersey: French captain Kylian Mbappe continued his impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup goal-scoring form as he shattered the all-time knockout goals record while also leapfrogging Argentine great Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Mbappe, who is featuring in his third World Cup, secured a brace, his third of the tournament, in the 3-0 rout of Sweden in the Round of 32 clash to level with Argentine great Lionel Messi on six goals but edged him with two assists. With the French No. 10 sweeping home to make a half-dozen at World Cup 2026. He will have the chance to add to his haul when France face Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium on July 5. The Frenchman's brace, his third of the tournament, moved him to within one goal of Lionel Messi's all-time mark of 19. |
