Germany’s FIFA World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after losing 4-3 to Paraguay in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes in their Round of 32 encounter.
Both teams entered the match knowing that only a victory would secure a place in the last 16, and the contest proved to be a tense and closely fought battle.
Paraguay struck first just before halftime when Julio Enciso found the net in the 42nd minute, giving his side a 1-0 advantage at the break after a cagey opening period with few clear-cut chances.
Germany responded early in the second half through Kai Havertz, who leveled the score in the 54th minute to bring the four-time world champions back into the contest.
With neither team able to find a winner during the remainder of regulation time, the match moved into extra time at 1-1.
Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review, keeping the score level.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock during the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
Paraguay held their nerve from the spot, winning the shootout 4-3 to book their place in the Round of 16, while Germany suffered an early exit from the tournament.
Starting Lineups
Germany: Manuel Neuer (GK), Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Brown, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović, Leroy Sané, Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz.
Paraguay: Gil (GK), Alonso, Canale, Gómez, Cáceres, Julio Enciso, Galarza, Cubas, Bobadilla, Miguel Almirón, Ávalos.
