Germany eliminated by Paraguay 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw, marking a historic upset for Paraguay and another disappointing tournament for Germany. Netherlands eliminated by Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, resulting in their earliest ever World Cup exit. Both Germany and Netherlands were eliminated in the Round of 32 by lower-ranked nations in dramatic penalty shootouts

Germany eliminated by Paraguay 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw, marking a historic upset for Paraguay and another disappointing tournament for Germany. Netherlands eliminated by Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, resulting in their earliest ever World Cup exit. Both Germany and Netherlands were eliminated in the Round of 32 by lower-ranked nations in dramatic penalty shootouts

Germany eliminated by Paraguay 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw, marking a historic upset for Paraguay and another disappointing tournament for Germany. Netherlands eliminated by Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, resulting in their earliest ever World Cup exit. Both Germany and Netherlands were eliminated in the Round of 32 by lower-ranked nations in dramatic penalty shootouts

A day of stunning upsets at the World Cup saw two of Europe’s football giants, Germany and the Netherlands, eliminated in the Round of 32 after a pair of nerve-wracking penalty shootouts

Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw that stretched through extra time. Jose Canale calmly slotted home the winning kick in sudden death, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill became a national hero with two crucial saves in the shootout.

The match remained deadlocked until late in the first half when Paraguay took a surprise lead. Julio Enciso found himself unmarked in the box and powered a header past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to put the underdogs ahead. Germany responded after the break, with Kai Havertz levelling the score in the 52nd minute.

Despite Germany’s dominance in possession, they struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defence. The Germans thought they had secured a late winner in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed in a corner, but the goal was disallowed after a video review showed a foul on the goalkeeper.

The drama then moved to the penalty spot. Gill, who had clearly done his homework, credited his preparation for the win.

For 34th-ranked Paraguay, the victory over 12th-ranked Germany was a moment of historic revenge, coming nearly a quarter-century after a 1-0 loss to the same opponent in the 2002 World Cup. It also broke a long-standing scoring drought for Paraguay in knockout games.

The loss marks another disappointing tournament for Germany, who were appearing in their first knockout match since winning the 2014 final.

Morocco subject Netherlands to earliest ever World Cup exit

The day’s second major upset saw Morocco eliminate the Netherlands 3-2 in another penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, handing the Dutch their earliest exit in World Cup history.

Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations. The decisive moment came when Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, save the penalty from Crysencio Summerville with a strong left hand.

The shootout also featured a bizarre moment when Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen appeared to save a shot from Soufiane Rahimi, only for the ball to deflect off the back of his leg and spin over the line.

During the match, the Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute with an emotional goal from Cody Gakpo, who was embraced by the entire bench after scoring. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, recently announced that they lost their unborn child. However, Morocco’s Issa Diop sent the game into extra time with a powerful header in the 91st minute, leaving Verbruggen with no chance.

For the Netherlands, it was a bitter end to their campaign, marking the third consecutive time they have been eliminated from a World Cup on penalties. The defeat was particularly painful for coach Ronald Koeman, whose late tactical substitution backfired.

"The last substitution I made was to bring in Justin (Kluivert) because he's one of the best at penalty shootouts," Koeman said. "But he missed his penalty and that's even more bitter for him and for us."

The result continues Morocco's impressive rise on the world stage, building on their historic run to the semifinals in 2022.

Morocco will now prepare to face co-host Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston, while Paraguay will take on the winner of the France versus Sweden match in Philadelphia.

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