Havertz and Woltemade miss as Germany crash out of World Cup on penalties against Paraguay

Germany are out of the World Cup after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the last 32, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade both missed in the shootout, with Paraguay defender Jose Canale emerging as the hero for the South Americans.

It is the first time Germany have lost on penalties at a World Cup, having previously won all four of their shootouts at the tournament — converting 17 of 18 spot kicks in the process.

Paraguay broke the deadlock against the run of play late in the first half. Miguel Almiron played a reverse pass to Matias Galarza, whose pinpoint cross was met by former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso, who planted a header into the net from 12 yards.

Germany responded after the break with greater intent. Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz delivered a deep cross and Havertz flicked a header into the bottom corner to restore parity. The Arsenal striker had a second chance in the 78th minute from another Wirtz delivery, but headed straight at goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Despite dominating 76 per cent of possession across the 90 minutes, Germany managed only three shots on target and the match moved into extra time.

The game appeared to turn in Germany’s favour 12 minutes into the additional period when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. But VAR intervened and the referee ruled the goal out, adjudging Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill — a decision that appeared to involve minimal contact. Waldemar Anton then spurned a close-range header in the dying moments of extra time that could have settled the tie.

The shootout proved equally painful for Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann. Paraguay, who had squandered two opportunities to win it in normal and extra time, held their nerve to complete one of the more significant upsets of the tournament.