*This content was translated by AI.
The "Tank Army" Germany collapsed in the World Cup once again. Following the humiliation of early elimination in three consecutive tournaments since winning the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Germany now shoulders two dishonorable records in its football history at once in this Round of 32 match.
On the 30th (Korean time), Germany drew 1-1 with Paraguay over 120 minutes including extra time in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Round of 32 held at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, USA, before losing 3-4 in the penalty shootout.
Germany has bowed its head in the World Cup continuously over the past 12 years. Although it reached the summit at the 2014 Brazil tournament, the momentum sharply declined afterward. It was eliminated in the group stage consecutively at the 2018 Russia tournament and the 2022 Qatar tournament. In particular, at the Russia World Cup, it suffered a major shock by losing 0-2 to South Korea in the final group stage match, conceding a decisive goal to Son Heung-min (LAFC).
In this tournament, Germany advanced from the group stage for the first time in 12 years. However, it was eliminated immediately in its first knockout match, packing its bags early once again.
The early elimination in three consecutive tournaments alone is not the only painful blow. Germany added two more dishonorable records in this match against Paraguay.
First, Germany lost a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup history. Before this tournament, Germany had recorded four consecutive wins in World Cup penalty shootouts. It won all penalty shootouts against France at the 1982 Spain tournament, Mexico at the 1986 Mexico tournament, England at the 1990 Italy tournament, and Argentina at the 2006 Germany tournament.
In particular, Argentina is a team with six wins and one loss in World Cup penalty shootouts. However, Germany inflicted the only defeat in 2006. Germany had a strong image in World Cup penalty shootouts because of that. But at the North American World Cup, it suffered an unexpected blow from Paraguay, recording its first-ever penalty shootout defeat in history.
Another dishonorable record occurred in the first half. According to Reuters, Germany was the first team to lose the first half despite completing 253 more passes than its opponent in a World Cup first half.
The media pointed out, "Germany tried every possible method to aim at the opponent's goal, but recorded not a single valid shot throughout the first half." It further noted, "Germany completed 244 passes until the 35th minute of the first half, while Paraguay managed only 31. However, Germany failed to break the balance."
Instead, the team that scored the first goal was Paraguay. Paraguay broke down the German defense with a quick counterattack in the 42nd minute of the first half. Julio Enciso (Strasbourg) finished with a header from a cross coming from the right flank, shaking the net.
This goal was also a significant milestone in Paraguay's football history. It was Paraguay's first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. Although Paraguay reached the quarterfinals at the 2010 South Africa tournament, it did not score in the knockout stage at that time. It drew 0-0 against Japan in the Round of 16 and won via penalty shootout, then lost 0-1 to Spain in the quarterfinals. Since then, Paraguay had not appeared on the World Cup main stage until returning to the world stage for the first time in 16 years through this tournament.
Reuters reported on the atmosphere at the scene, "A small number of Paraguay fans, completely outnumbered by German fans, began beating drums in joy as the first goal went in. Meanwhile, the German fans who occupied most of the stadium fell into silence."
Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of the German national football team, expressed regret after the match, saying, "We should have scored earlier." Ultimately, the lack of decisiveness shown in the first half held Germany back.
Germany equalized in the 9th minute of the second half with a header by Kai Havertz (Arsenal). In extra time, Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich) seemed to secure victory by shaking the net from a corner kick situation. However, after video assistant referee (VAR) review, a foul on the goalkeeper was called, and the goal was disallowed.
The match eventually headed toward a penalty shootout. Germany collapsed in the method it considered its strongest. Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed in the penalty shootout, while Paraguay's final kicker Jose Canale calmly succeeded, eliminating Germany.
Reuters harshly criticized, "Germany's international reputation was shattered by this defeat, following consecutive group stage eliminations at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups."
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*This content was translated by AI.
