For over four decades, since their first World Cup penalty shootout in 1982, Germany has been considered the benchmark for resilience. They won all four shootouts against France (1982), Mexico (1986), England (1990), and Argentina (2006) before this defeat to Paraguay.

Orlando Gil (right) saves Kai Havertz's penalty kick during Paraguay's victory over Germany in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at Foxborough Stadium, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on 29/6. Photo: AP

The manner in which Germany squandered their advantage made the defeat even more surprising. Kai Havertz missed their first attempt, saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Nick Woltemade also failed to convert against Gil. Despite Manuel Neuer saving two consecutive penalties to keep Germany's hopes alive after Paraguay missed an opportunity to seal the match, Jonathan Tah shot over the bar in the decisive round. Jose Canale then successfully converted, securing a historic 4-3 victory for the South American side.

Germany missed three of their six attempts. Before the match against Paraguay, only one German player had missed a penalty in a World Cup shootout: Uli Stielike in the 1982 semi-final against France. West Germany still won that match 5-4, thanks to goalkeeper Harald Schumacher saving two penalties.

In just a few minutes in Boston, the number of German players who had missed World Cup penalty shootouts increased from one to four. The legend that had endured for over 40 years also came to an end.

German newspaper Welt described it as "the end of a legend".

Magenta TV commentator Wolff Fuss also remarked, "There used to be a nation of penalty shootouts".

Paraguay's decisive penalty kick.

Germany had successfully converted 17 of 18 World Cup penalties before facing Paraguay. They also held the record for winning four consecutive shootouts, a feat shared with Croatia (twice in 2018 and twice in 2022).

Havertz admitted he was partly responsible for the defeat. "Penalties are not easy. Today I was one of those who missed. It shows the chances are 50-50", the German forward stated.

Joshua Kimmich offered a more pragmatic perspective. "It's a matter of luck, bad luck, and quality", the team captain said. "You cannot blame those brave enough to step up to the penalty spot".

Neuer also defended his teammates. The 40-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties, keeping Germany's hopes alive, but could not alter the outcome. "If Paraguay had missed two penalties, we would have deserved to win", Neuer commented.

Nick Woltemade disappointed after missing a penalty during Germany's loss to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at Foxborough Stadium, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on 29/6. Photo: AP

Paraguay has now won both penalty shootouts they have participated in at the World Cup. Their first victory was a 5-3 win against Japan in the 2010 World Cup round of 16. The 12 kicks taken in Paraguay's win over Germany also equaled the record for the most penalties in a single World Cup match, alongside West Germany - France in 1982 and Sweden - Romania in 1994.

BBC commentator Ian Dennis remarked, "For the first time in World Cup history, Germany have lost a penalty shootout and Paraguay have created a huge shock".

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin described the atmosphere in the stands: "There were people crying right in front of us. They could not believe it. This must be a great victory in the history of Paraguayan football".

International media unanimously viewed this as a historic turning point.

Spanish newspaper Marca ran the headline: "Germany is no longer Germany", emphasizing that Paraguay eliminated their opponent in the very discipline where the Germans were once most perfect.

The UK's Guardian newspaper wrote that the first thought after the match was Germany's inaugural World Cup penalty shootout defeat, though it also praised Paraguay's disciplined performance.

French newspaper L'Equipe considered it the biggest surprise of the tournament so far, while the Daily Mail called it "the biggest World Cup shock".

Manuel Neuer frustrated as Paraguay players celebrate their victory after the penalty shootout in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match at Foxborough Stadium, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on 29/6. Photo: AP

In Germany, the media reaction was even more somber. Welt stated that "the halo has vanished", as the legend of German composure and resilience from the penalty spot no longer exists. The newspaper suggested that a reputation built over many generations had collapsed in a single night in Boston.

Before the shootout, Germany believed they had secured their progression when Jonathan Tah headed the ball into Paraguay's net in the 102nd minute of extra time. However, VAR determined there was a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gil, disallowing the goal. Former US national team goalkeeper Brad Friedel called the decision "too harsh", arguing there was no reason for the Paraguayan goalkeeper to fall in that situation.

By Hoang An