Germany v Paraguay · OurXI

★ The storyline

Paraguay are held by Germany

Honours even after normal time. Paraguay couldn't break Germany down in the round of 32 — nervy, but still alive.

The Reckoning: Germany's World Cup Drought Deepens in Paraguay Shock

Germany's twelve-year wait for a knockout-stage win stretched painfully on in Qatar as they fell to underdogs Paraguay on penalties in the last 32, a result that felt less like an upset and more like a reckoning long overdue. A bitterly controversial VAR call denying Jonathan Tah a goal in extra-time proved the turning point, but the four-time champions have themselves to blame: they could not find a way past a resolute South American side when it mattered. Kai Havertz equalised Julio Enciso's opener, yet when the moment came to finish the job, Germany blinked—three penalty misses, including one from Havertz himself, sent them home. For a nation that expected to rebuild and challenge, this is the hard truth: the old machinery has stalled, and wishful thinking will not restart it.

Kai HavertzJonathan TahJulio EncisoNick Woltemade

Source: Sky Sports — via web search

Why it matters

Round of 32 — win or go home.

Who to watch

★ Emerging star

Florian Wirtz

Germany

The creative spark Germany are pinning their hopes on — the one to light up the group stage.

Talisman

Julio Enciso

Paraguay

The creative spark Paraguay lean on — much of the attacking burden, for better or worse, rests on his boots.

Developing

Germany are through to the last 32

Germany are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Paraguay are through to the last 32

Paraguay have squeezed through as one of the best third-placed sides. Not the comfortable route — but a place in the last 32 is a place in the last 32, and the knockouts don't care how you got there.

Developing

Paraguay bow out

And there it ends. Paraguay fall to France, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.

Developing

Paraguay bow out

And there it ends. Paraguay fall to France 1–0 in the last 16, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.