A disappointed German team after losing to Paraguay in shootout

Foxborough (Massachusetts), June 30:

One of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history unfolded on Tuesday as Paraguay shattered Germany’s long-standing aura of invincibility in penalty shootouts, eliminating the four-time champions from the tournament after a dramatic Round of 32 clash.

For the first time in World Cup finals history, Germany lost a penalty shootout, bringing to an end a remarkable record that had stood for 44 years. Paraguay sealed a famous 4-3 victory in the shootout after the match finished 1-1 following regulation and extra time at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Germany had built a formidable reputation in World Cup penalty shootouts, earning a fearsome status for their composure under pressure. Time and again, the Germans had prevailed from the spot with clinical precision, making them one of the most dreaded opponents in knockout football.

That reputation, however, came crashing down against a fearless Paraguay side.

Germany’s remarkable shootout legacy began in the unforgettable 1982 World Cup semi-final against France. After a thrilling 3-3 draw following extra time, West Germany won the shootout 5-4. In that contest, Uli Stielike’s effort was saved by French goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori, marking Germany’s only missed penalty in a World Cup shootout for more than four decades.

Since that miss in 1982, Germany had converted every penalty they had taken in World Cup shootouts until Tuesday’s defeat.

Against Paraguay, however, three German players failed from the spot — Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah — allowing Paraguay to script one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.

The defeat also extended Germany’s recent struggles on the World Cup stage. After lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, the Germans suffered back-to-back group-stage exits in the following two editions before finally returning to the knockout rounds this year after a 12-year wait.

Their hopes of mounting a serious title challenge, however, ended abruptly in the very first knockout hurdle, as Paraguay sent them crashing out before the Round of 16.

For Paraguay, the victory ranks among the finest moments in the country’s football history. Having only just scraped into the Round of 32 after finishing third in Group D, Paraguay stunned one of the tournament favourites to book their place in the next round.

They will now face the winners of the France-Sweden clash for a place in the quarter-finals, carrying with them the confidence of having ended one of the World Cup’s most enduring records.