The World Cup had a truly wild night. Morocco eliminated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw snatched in stoppage time, while Paraguay caused a major upset by knocking out Germany, also after a penalty shootout. Two major European footballing nations are out of the tournament in the round of 32.
Morocco refuses to fall
At the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, the Netherlands long believed they had secured their qualification. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, finishing off a move that began with Wout Weghorst winning a duel and Crysencio Summerville capitalizing on a loose ball. The Dutch led 1-0 and moved closer to the round of 16.
Morocco refused to give up. Already dangerous before the break, with chances for Ayoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, and Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions forced an equalizer in stoppage time. From a Chemsdine Talbi cross, Issa Diop outjumped Virgil van Dijk and headed home the decisive goal to force extra time.
Bounou stops, Saibari concludes
Extra time failed to separate the two teams. The match went to penalties. Yassine Bounou saved Summerville's attempt, Quinten Timber missed his, and Achraf Hakimi hit the post when he could have scored. Ismaël Saibari finally converted the decisive penalty. Final score: 1-1 after extra time, 3-2 for Morocco on penalties.
Morocco has therefore advanced to the round of 16, where they will face Canada in Houston. The Canadians defeated South Africa 1-0 thanks to a goal from Stephen Eustáquio in stoppage time, securing their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match.
Paraguay overthrows Germany
In Foxborough, Paraguay pulled off one of the tournament's biggest upsets by eliminating four-time world champions Germany. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, before Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties.
Julio Enciso opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a header from a Matias Galarza cross. Germany equalized nine minutes after the break through Kai Havertz, assisted by Florian Wirtz. Despite dominating possession and having 21 shots to Paraguay's 7, the Germans were unable to break down the Paraguayan defense. In extra time, Jonathan Tah thought he had scored, but his goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Gill defeats Germany
The penalty shootout saw Orlando Gill emerge victorious. The Paraguayan goalkeeper saved attempts from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Jonathan Tah then sent his shot over the bar. José Canale scored the decisive penalty. Germany lost a penalty shootout in the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Paraguay advances to the round of 16 and awaits the winner of France-Sweden. Germany, already eliminated early in the last two editions, leaves the World Cup again earlier than expected.
