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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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After consulting VAR, Jayed ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill and disallowed the goal.<\/p>\n
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The decision drew criticism from former players, pundits and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.<\/p>\n
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The match went to penalties, where Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two German attempts and Tah sent another over the crossbar before Jos\u00e9 Canale converted the winning kick.<\/p>\n
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Paraguay celebrated one of the biggest victories in its World Cup history. President Santiago Pe\u00f1a declared Tuesday a national holiday after the win, describing the achievement as worthy of national celebration.<\/p>\n
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Gill, who received the player of the match award, said the contest tested his team throughout.<\/p>\n
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“We showed we can do great things. It was like a horror movie. The Germans appeared from everywhere,” he said.<\/p>\n
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Hours later, Morocco produced another upset by eliminating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after another 1-1 draw.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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In the shootout, Yassine Bounou saved Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Morocco’s victory also sparked celebrations among supporters in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
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