Germany Lose World Cup Penalty Shootout for First Time in 92 Years After Paraguay Shock

Ninety-two years is a long time to be reliable from twelve yards. It ended against Paraguay. Germany, already furious about the goal that was taken away from Jonathan Tah, could not find a finishing kick in the shootout and are out of the World Cup.

Paraguay’s plan was not complicated. Stay in the game, survive the spells when Germany had the ball in their half, and trust the takers who had practised this ending. They did all three. The result sits with the great World Cup upsets because of who lost, not because the winners looked fortunate once the penalties began.

The inquest in Germany will cover the disallowed goal, the substitutions and the takers. Paraguay get to prepare for a quarter-final.