theTripurapost News Images

Four-Time Champions Germany Exit World Cup; France, Sweden Set for Crucial Clash Today

  • By Thetripurapost Sports Desk, Huston, USA
  • Jun 30, 2026
  • 149

A dramatic day at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday produced one of the tournament's biggest surprises as Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany (Germany vs Paraguay) through a tense 4-3 penalty shootout victory.

Elsewhere, record five-time winners Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 after securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback triumph against Japan. The Selecao have now progressed to the knockout phase for the 20th occasion in World Cup history.

Brazil's next opponents will be determined after the clash between Ivory Coast and Norway, while Paraguay await the winners of the France-Sweden encounter.

Paraguay Produce Major Upset Against Germany

At Foxboro, 34th-ranked Paraguay stunned world No.12 Germany in their Round of 32 contest. Neither side could be separated after 120 minutes, with the match finishing 1-1 following regulation and extra time.

The South Americans eventually prevailed during the shootout. Jose Canales converted the decisive sudden-death spot-kick, while goalkeeper Orlando Gil emerged as the hero by denying Germany twice from the penalty mark.

Paraguay struck first shortly before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Miguel Almiron initiated an attacking move before Matias Galarza delivered a cross that Julio Enciso headed home to put his side ahead.

Germany restored parity seven minutes after the interval. Florian Wirtz floated in a delivery that Kai Havertz nodded into the net to make it 1-1.

Germany appeared to have found a winner during extra time when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner in the 102nd minute. However, a VAR review overturned the effort after officials ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil.

 

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Creates World Cup History, Scores in Six FIFA World Cups as Portugal Beat Uzbekistan 5-0
https://thetripurapost.com/NewsTripuraPost/cristiano-ronaldo-creates-world-cup-history-scores-in-six-fifa-world-cups-as-portugal-beat-uzbekistan-5-0-3546.html

 

Although Germany controlled possession for long spells, enjoying nearly 78 percent of the ball in the opening half, they struggled to penetrate Paraguay's disciplined defensive setup. The Germans, who had scored freely during the group phase, failed to maintain that attacking efficiency in the knockout round.

Reactions After the Match

Goalkeeper Orlando Gil credited extensive preparation for the victory.

"We studied every opponent thoroughly and prepared for every situation. That preparation helped me save penalties. This win belongs to the entire Paraguayan nation," Gil said.

Jose Canales highlighted the squad's unity.

"Our strength lies in our togetherness. We showed our real character on the field today," he remarked.

A disappointed Kai Havertz admitted Germany fell short of expectations.

"We arrived with big ambitions. It is painful to leave the tournament like this. We were unable to create enough opportunities or control the rhythm of the game," Havertz stated.

Key Facts: Paraguay vs Germany

  • Paraguay avenged their 1-0 defeat to Germany in the 2002 World Cup, the only previous meeting between the two nations in the competition.
  • The Paraguayans had previously struggled in knockout fixtures and had not scored in their previous five such matches before this tournament.
  • Germany featured in a World Cup knockout match for the first time since winning the title in 2014, having exited at the group stage in the subsequent two editions.

 


Also Read: Messi, Ronaldo Set for Final Group Stage Showdown

 

Brazil Leave It Late to Defeat Japan

In Houston, Brazil required stoppage-time heroics to overcome a resilient Japanese side.

Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute after Kaishu Sano punished a Brazilian error in midfield with a powerful long-range strike.

Brazil equalized in the 56th minute through Casemiro, who headed home from Gabriel Magalhaes' delivery. Earlier, the veteran midfielder had already forced an excellent save from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Vinicius Junior nearly completed the turnaround moments later, but his effort was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Suzuki.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced Gabriel Martinelli after halftime, and the substitution proved decisive. The Arsenal winger netted in the sixth minute of added time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Ancelotti Praises Team Spirit

Explaining his decision to bring on Martinelli, Ancelotti said:

"Martinelli always brings tremendous intensity and energy. Whenever he plays, he gives everything. We are performing well, but there is still room for improvement because our ambition is to play at the highest possible standard."

The Italian tactician also applauded his players for recovering from an early setback.

"Mistakes are inevitable in football. What matters is how a team reacts, and our response in the second half was excellent," he added.

Casemiro was substituted during stoppage time with an apparent leg problem, although no official update on his condition was provided after the match.

Star forward Neymar remained on the bench throughout the contest after making only a brief appearance in Brazil's previous outing.

Key Facts: Brazil vs Japan

  • Japan's search for a first-ever World Cup knockout victory continues, having again lost after taking the lead, similar to 2018 and 2022.
  • The defeat ended Japan's impressive 10-match winning streak. Their previous international loss had come against the United States last September.
  • Brazil have now registered 12 victories in 15 meetings with Japan. Two matches have ended level, while Japan have won only once.

Brazil Finish Top of Group C

Brazil advanced as Group C winners after defeating Haiti and Scotland and drawing with Morocco. Their victory over Japan came on the anniversary of Brazil's maiden World Cup triumph in Sweden in 1958.

Japan progressed from Group F in second place after drawing against the Netherlands and Sweden while defeating Tunisia.

Round of 32 Fixtures Scheduled for Wednesday

Three more Round of 32 encounters are set to take place on Wednesday ( World Cup 2026 Schedule and Results)

  • Ivory Coast will meet Norway for the first time ever at Dallas Stadium at 10:30 PM IST on June 30.
  • France and Sweden will clash at New York/New Jersey Stadium at 2:30 AM IST on July 1.
  • Co-host nation Mexico will take on Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium at 6:30 AM IST.

 

Stay ahead with the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 updates, breaking sports news, and in-depth match analysis only on The Tripura Post