Out on penalties: Germany beaten by Paraguay

Germany met Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday night, while Hiroki Ito and Japan took on Brazil for a place in the last 16. Here’s how the knockout matches went for the FC Bayern players involved.

Germany: Dramatic exit on penalties

Shortly before 1:30 in Germany in the early hours of Tuesday, the four-time world champions knew: the tournament in Canada, Mexico and USA was already over for them after the first knockout match. The DFB-Elf lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw in the round of 32.

Against one of the best third-placed teams, Germany fell behind to a goal from Encisco following a corner in the 41st minute. As was the case in the 2-1 defeat in the last group match against Ecuador, Julian Nagelsmann’s side failed to exert the necessary dominance and determination against the underdogs from South America, and despite having more possession, clear-cut chances remained hard to come by for much of the game.

However, with 54 minutes gone, Kai Havertz equalised with a header. Neither team managed to create much in attack after that, meaning it went to extra time. Germany thought they’d won it when Bayern defender Jonathan Tah powered a header into the net from a corner, but the goal was disallowed following review because, according to referee Jalal Jayed, substitute Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Germany tried to force the issue now and created more opportunities, but were repeatedly denied by Gill. And the Paraguay shot-stopper was the hero in the penalty shootout too as his side came out on top by a narrow margin despite a save from Manuel Neuer.

Paraguay therefore advance to the round of 16, where they’ll face the winners of the meeting between France and Sweden this Saturday (23:00 CEST) in Philadelphia.

Japan, with FCB defender Hiroki Ito, exited at the last-32 stage in equally harsh circumstances, losing 2-1 to record World Cup winners Brazil in Houston on Monday evening. The Samurai Blue took a first-half lead courtesy of Kaishu Sano, which Casemiro cancelled out for Brazil in the 56th minute. As the game headed towards extra time, Gabriel Martinelli hit a winner for the Canarinho in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Ito played the full match for the Japanese but couldn’t prevent his team’s unfortunate exit.