PARAGUAY STUNS GERMANY ON PENALTIES TO REACH WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16 AS JOSÉ CANALE SCORES DECISIVE KICK IN FIRST START. (PHOTO).

 Paraguay stuns Germany on penalties to reach World Cup Round of 16 as José Canale scores decisive kick in first start

  

 José Canale delivered a breakthrough performance in his first World Cup start, scoring the decisive penalty as Paraguay stunned Germany 4-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw through extra time.

Canale, who had not started in Paraguay’s previous two matches, stepped into the spotlight in sudden death and converted the winning kick after goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced two crucial saves in the shootout. The result sent Paraguay into the Round of 16 and marked one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, knocking out a four-time champion that had struggled to regain its dominance since its 2014 title.

The match was tightly contested from the opening whistle. Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso headed home after a fluid attacking sequence involving Miguel Almirón and Matías Galarza. Germany responded after halftime through Kai Havertz, who redirected a cross from Florian Wirtz to level the score in the 52nd minute.

Both sides had chances to win in extra time, including a disallowed header from Germany’s Jonathan Tah after a video review ruled a foul in the buildup. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Germany missed three of its six attempts, including Tah’s decisive miss in sudden death, which sailed over the crossbar. That set the stage for Canale’s winner, securing Paraguay’s place in the next round.

Paraguay, ranked 41st entering the match, outlasted a Germany side ranked among the world’s top 10 and historically strong in penalty shootouts. The victory sparked celebrations across Asunción, where fans filled the streets in disbelief and joy.

Germany had controlled possession for long stretches but struggled to break down Paraguay’s defensive setup. The defeat adds to a difficult run for the four-time champions, who have now suffered multiple early exits in recent World Cups.

Paraguay will now face the winner of France vs. Sweden in the Round of 16, with momentum building after one of the most unexpected results of the tournament.