2026 FIFA World Cup (Round of 32):
- Germany 1 (3) – 1 (4) Paraguay
Paraguay advanced to the round of 16 stage during the on-going 2026 FIFA World Cup at the expense of the four-time champions Germany.
At the Boston stadium, post match penalties were taken to decide the victor following a grueling 120 minutes after normal time had ended 1 goal apiece.
Julio Cesar Enciso Espinola of Racing Strasbourg in the French Ligue 1 had given Paraguay the first half lead.
Christened as the “The Jewel”, Enciso headed home the opener in the 42nd minute.
Arsenal football club’s Kai Havertz then found the equalizer 9 minutes into the final stanza with a brilliantly taken header.
Germany who have won the FIFA World Cup trophy four times in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 had a goal disallowed from Havertz disallowed after a foul on the goalkeeper.
The ninety minutes ended 1-all before the additional 30 minutes of extra were also even to call for the tense, dramatic shoot out.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was named man of the match.
The South Americans now await either France or Sweden at the round of 16 at the Philadelphia stadium on 4th July 2026.
At the round of 16, Paraguay joins the likes of Canada and Brazil who have already secured their tickets.
