Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens): Shock exit for four-time champions

The World Cup playoffs have produced their first major sensation. In the round of 32, four-time world champions Germany were eliminated by Paraguay, who won a dramatic penalty shootout 4-3 after a 1-1 draw. Paraguay missed three match points before the shootout went to sudden death. José Canale confidently converted his penalty, while Jonathan Tah blasted over, allowing the underdogs to celebrate. The German defender was the biggest loser of the match, having scored a goal in extra time that was controversially disallowed by VAR.

The first half was balanced. Germany had more possession, but Paraguay created danger with effective counterattacks. No goals were scored in the first half. In the second half, Paraguay took the lead in the 55th minute through a header by Carlos González from Miguel Almirón's assist. Germany equalized in the 70th minute with a fine finish from Kai Havertz. No further goals were scored, and the match went to extra time.

In the first period of extra time, Germany applied pressure. In the 105th minute, Jonathan Tah headed the ball into the net from a corner, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside. The decision sparked huge controversy. Replays showed that Tah was not offside. German coach Hansi Flick reacted angrily, saying, "This decision was scandalous. VAR is ruining football."

The penalty shootout was a tense affair. All players scored in the first three rounds. In the fourth round, the Paraguayan player missed, but Germany also missed in the fifth round. The shootout continued with both teams missing and scoring alternately. In the eleventh round, Germany missed, and Paraguay scored to win the match.

This result is a huge disappointment for Germany. The 2014 champions had been eliminated in the group stage in the last two tournaments. Paraguay achieved a great success by advancing to the next round. After the match, Paraguayan players celebrated wildly while German players left the pitch in shock. The football world is talking about this surprise result.