Germany and Netherlands crash out of World Cup in penalty shootout shockers

Germany suffered their first ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat as Paraguay stunned the four-time champions in the Round of 32 on Monday, while the Netherlands also fell on spot-kicks to Morocco. Julian Nagelsmann’s side had topped Group E and were heavy favourites against a Paraguay team that scraped into the knockout stage as the seventh best third-place finisher. But football doesn’t work like that. Julio Enciso, the former Brighton midfielder, put Paraguay ahead in the first half before Arsenal’s Kai Havertz equalised after the break. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, and despite Paraguay missing two opportunities to win the shootout, they kept their nerve to triumph 4-3. Former Germany player Thomas Hitzlsperger analysed the nation’s football decline following the loss, with the video titled: “Germany play one way - and it doesn't work anymore.” The defeat was described as the “next football nightmare” for Germany, raising questions over Nagelsmann’s future. Hours earlier, the Netherlands also exited on penalties after missing three of their spot-kicks. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville were the unfortunate trio, with Morocco goalkeeper Bono saving Summerville’s attempt. The Dutch loss came as a further blow to European heavyweights. Elsewhere, Brazil secured a dramatic passage to the last 16 by coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1. Kaishu Sano put the Samurai Blue ahead on the half-hour mark, but Casemiro equalised before Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scored a 95th-minute winner. The defeats of Germany and the Netherlands were part of a day of high drama at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Germany’s penalty shootout loss was their first in World Cup history, while VAR controversy was reported to have left one of the losing teams stunned, though no specific incident was detailed in reports.