The moment Jonathan Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar, Germany’s World Cup dream died. Brazil-born defender José Canale stepped up to slot home the decisive spot-kick, sending Paraguay into the last 16 and consigning the four-time world champions to their first ever World Cup penalty shootout loss — a 4-3 defeat after a 1-1 draw in extra time in Boston.
Paraguay, ranked 41st in the world to Germany’s 10th, took a surprise lead in the first half through former Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz equalised with a glancing header early in the second half, but Germany could not break down a resolute South American side despite having 75% of possession. Deep into extra time, Tah thought he had won it — only for his header to be controversially ruled out for a foul seconds earlier, a decision that left German players furious.
“Germany lose 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in World Cup last-32 shock; Neuer retires again.”
Penalties should have been a safety net. Germany had never lost a World Cup shootout, winning all four previous. But Havertz went first and saw his effort saved. Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade was also denied by Paraguay goalkeeper Gill. Though Paraguay missed two opportunities of their own, Tah’s wild blast over the bar proved fatal before Canale sealed the win.
“When you exit the World Cup after you play Paraguay it is very bitter. It is very hurtful,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “This is the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams any more.”
The defeat immediately triggered 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s second retirement from international football. Neuer had reversed his post-Euro 2024 retirement to play at this tournament, but after Monday’s loss he hung up his gloves again, admitted it was “extremely bitter for it to end like this.” Neuer failed to keep a clean sheet in any of Germany’s four matches — and has not had a shutout at a World Cup since the 2014 final. Nagelsmann had faced criticism for choosing Neuer over Oliver Baumann, who had been his No.1 for two years and watched the entire campaign from the bench.
Germany, winners of the World Cup four times and three European Championships, have now failed to reach the quarter-finals in three consecutive tournaments: group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, and this last‑32 loss. Tuesday’s front page of Bild summed it up with the headline: “The next German football nightmare.”