FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — This result marks a defining moment in football history. After 12 years, four-time champions Germany faced defeat in their first knockout game of the FIFA World Cup since 2011, losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium.
This defeat is particularly shocking as Germany has never lost a penalty shootout in World Cup history, but the current squad is a stark contrast to the legendary teams of 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014 that would have surely triumphed against a Paraguay side that had previously suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to the United States in their opening group match, barely making it to the last 32 as the seventh of eight third-place teams.
Germany’s reputation as potential winners stemmed from their past successes, yet Julian Nagelsmann’s iteration of Die Mannschaft falls short of those glories.
Even if they had managed to advance, they would likely have faced an early exit against France in the next round. Perhaps this shocking loss to Paraguay will ignite a much-needed response from a national team that has faced a challenging decade in World Cup tournaments following group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
“Exiting in the first stage is unacceptable for German football,” Nagelsmann stated, reflecting on the third consecutive elimination. “We are no longer part of the elite teams.”
While Germany navigates one of their poorest World Cup outcomes, Paraguay celebrates what may be their best performance ever. No matter their fate for the remainder of the tournament, the South Americans will forever cherish this victory in Boston.
Before facing Germany, Paraguay had never scored a goal in a World Cup knockout match. Not only did Julio Enciso change that, but the team also showcased a resolute defensive display to progress to the last 16. It was fitting that José Canale scored the decisive penalty after a tenacious performance throughout the match.
As Canale’s penalty hit the back of the net, tears flowed from the stands filled with red and white, while Germany’s players sank to their knees in disbelief.
The aftermath of this tournament will not spare Nagelsmann and his squad any scrutiny.
“We may need a significant overhaul; we will see,” the former Bayern Munich coach remarked. “We need to find solutions for the future. There are definitely changes required.”
Conversely, Paraguay has already emerged victorious.
Whether they face Kylian Mbappé and France next or not, this team, having previously triumphed over Brazil and Argentina during qualifying, has added a historic achievement to their legacy. Paraguay fans will always remember their team’s triumph over Germany in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the repercussions for Germany begin now.
Despite scoring the most goals—10—in the opening round and finishing atop Group E, concerns had been building. They struggled at crucial moments in all three group matches against Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and particularly during a defeat to Ecuador.
Nagelsmann claimed Germany created enough opportunities to win against Paraguay, criticizing the decision to disallow Jonathan Tah‘s header in extra time as “absurd.” However, Paraguay rightfully led at halftime and effectively managed to contain Germany, save for Kai Havertz‘s equalizer.
Nagelsmann and his squad faced criticism leading up to this match, and it is likely to intensify now.
The first half was particularly lackluster.
In his pre-match press conference, Nagelsmann characterized Paraguay as “an uncomfortable opponent,” which proved accurate. Gustavo Alfaro’s side effectively defended deep and maintained a compact formation, dragging out every stoppage.
Germany struggled to find rhythm, and Paraguay capitalized on limited opportunities. After merely 30 seconds, Manuel Neuer, already under scrutiny back home, had to prevent a shot from Júnior Alonso.
Paraguay hardly ventured past the halfway line again until just before halftime. A clever overlapping run from Matías Galarza resulted in a cross that Enciso headed home.
One major concern for Germany preceding the tournament was their defensive solidity, which was reflected by their inability to keep a clean sheet in any of their four matches. Their disappointing 0.14 expected goals in the first half was their second lowest in a World Cup knockout match in six decades, all despite dominating with nearly 80% possession.
The pace of Germany’s attack during the first half suggested they were struggling in the relentless Foxborough heat. However, their intensity picked up in the second half, particularly after Joshua Kimmich shifted into midfield. Still, Paraguay was never forced into a critical position, and frustration began to surface well before the penalties commenced.
Historically, Germany excels in penalty shootouts, but this time they displayed a surprising lack of confidence. Both Havertz and Nick Woltemade saw their attempts saved by Orlando Gill.
Paraguay missed two opportunities to clinch the win, but when Tah stepped up for Germany, he launched his chance into the Boston sky. Canale, exemplary throughout, calmly converted Paraguay’s third chance to take victory.
Nagelsmann soon returned to face reporters.
“Will you continue as coach?” was the pressing question. “I would like to,” he responded before departing.
This certainly won’t be the last time he faces speculation about his future as Germany begins to process this unexpected loss to Paraguay, paving the way for an extensive review of their prospects moving forward.