Germany crash out of World Cup after shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay

After a hard-fought battle, Germany sensationally crashed out of the World Cup against Paraguay as they lost 3-4 on penalties in their round of 32 clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Monday night.

Paraguay almost stunned Germany inside the opening minutes when an unmarked Junior Alonso met a corner at the back post, but Manuel Neuer produced a fine save to keep out the defender's effort.

Making his first World Cup start after scoring three goals in three games as a substitute, Deniz Undav had Germany’s first attempt shortly afterwards, sending a looping effort just wide.

Germany dominated possession throughout the first half but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut chances, with Paraguay defending in a compact shape and using their physicality and aggression to frustrate Julian Nagelsmann's side.

After the Germans initially cleared a corner, Paraguay regained possession quickly, and Matías Galarza delivered a cross for an unmarked Julio Enciso, who headed the South Americans into the lead.

The goal prompted a response from Germany, with Felix Nmecha and Joshua Kimmich both sending efforts towards goal, but neither could find an equaliser as they went into half-time 0-1 down.

At the start of the second half, things almost got even worse for Germany as Paraguay nearly capitalised on an uncharacteristic mistake from Joshua Kimmich. The Germany captain underhit a pass back to Manuel Neuer, allowing Enciso to intercept and attempt a shot at goal, which the 40-year-old goalkeeper dealt with.

Then, with 54 minutes played, Germany found their breakthrough. Florian Wirtz delivered a cross that Kai Havertz cleverly directed into the back of the net with his head to level the score.

The pattern repeated in the 77th minute, with Florian Wirtz once again finding Havertz from a cross, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill kept out the Arsenal striker’s header from close range.

Germany continued to push for a winner and came close again when Leon Goretzka headed a corner towards goal, but the ball struck teammate Waldemar Anton, who was in an offside position, on its way through.

Despite continuing their pressure, Germany couldn’t find a winner in normal time, and the game went to extra time.

Extra time began in much the same way, with Germany continuing to apply heavy pressure on Paraguay. 

Julian Nagelsmann's team thought they had made it 2-1 when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner just before half-time in the first period of extra time. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, with Waldemar Anton adjudged to have fouled Gill in the Paraguayan goal.

The game remained 1-1 as extra time wore on, and a golden chance from a corner for Waldemar Anton in the 119th minute didn't change that, as the centre-back headed straight into Gill’s gloves.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side had another opportunity shortly afterwards, but Nadiem Amiri could only find the side netting with his free-kick, and the game went to a penalty shootout.

The penalty shootout got off to a nightmare start for Germany, who missed two of their first four spot-kicks. Paraguay, however, failed to make the most of it, missing their final two attempts and allowing Germany back into the contest.

But Jonathan Tah then blazed Germany's sixth penalty over the bar, before José Canale converted the decisive spot-kick to send Paraguay sensationally through to the round of 16.