Germany and the Netherlands suffered surprise exits from the FIFA World Cup after losing penalty shootouts to Paraguay and Morocco in a dramatic night of knockout football, while Brazil reached the last 16 with a stoppage-time winner against Japan.
Germany’s elimination ended a long record of success in World Cup shootouts and triggered criticism at home over both the team’s performance and a VAR decision that ruled out a goal in extra time.
Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It marked Germany’s first defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout after winning its previous four.
The defining moment arrived during extra time. Jonathan Tah headed Germany into what appeared to be a 2-1 lead from a corner in the 104th minute. German players celebrated before referee Jalal Jayed halted proceedings for a video review.
After consulting VAR, Jayed ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill and disallowed the goal.
The decision drew criticism from former players, pundits and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
The match went to penalties, where Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two German attempts and Tah sent another over the crossbar before José Canale converted the winning kick.
Paraguay celebrated one of the biggest victories in its World Cup history. President Santiago Peña declared Tuesday a national holiday after the win, describing the achievement as worthy of national celebration.
Gill, who received the player of the match award, said the contest tested his team throughout.
“We showed we can do great things. It was like a horror movie. The Germans appeared from everywhere,” he said.
Hours later, Morocco produced another upset by eliminating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after another 1-1 draw.
The Dutch looked set to progress after Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute from a Crysencio Summerville assist. Gakpo was seen in tears after scoring.
Morocco forced extra time when Issa Diop headed in Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in first-half stoppage time. Neither side found a winner during the additional 30 minutes.
In the shootout, Yassine Bounou saved Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick.
The defeat marked the Netherlands’ earliest World Cup exit since the tournament expanded and ended an unbeaten competitive run that had stretched to 11 matches.
Morocco’s victory also sparked celebrations among supporters in the Netherlands.
According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, fans gathered in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Osdorp after the final whistle. Most celebrations remained peaceful, although police intervened in several locations.
NOS reported that officers used a water cannon to disperse a crowd in The Hague. A local resident questioned the police response.
“Everyone is happy and the atmosphere is good. Then the police come, with a disruptive attitude, and drive people away,” the resident told NOS.
Dutch newspaper Het Parool reported that police also responded in Osdorp after fireworks were set off and one confrontation took place.
HT