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This is not a drill: Germany lose a World Cup penalty shoot-out
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- This is not a drill: Germany lose a World Cup penalty shoot-out
This is not a drill: Germany have lost on penalties. It was a son of Boston, Benjamin Franklin, who uttered the immortal line that nothing was certain in this world except death and taxes, although until a truly head-spinning night here in Massachusetts a shoot-out triumph by Die Mannschaft came a fairly close third.
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And yet for the first time in World Cup history, the four-time champions have unravelled in a discipline they once made almost a national art form, as Kai Havertz , Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all wretchedly bungled their attempts to hand Paraguay the greatest sporting moment in the country's history. For the vanquished, the wound to national pride is incalculable. Kings of the Elfmeter no longer.
For Germany to falter not once, not twice, but three times from 12 yards on the grandest stage registers so high on the Richter scale of football shocks that it breaks the seismograph. Prior to the barely believable denouement to this game, Germany had won all four of their World Cup shoot-outs, scoring 17 out of 18 penalties in the process, including all of their last 15. Their third such victory, famously, came against England in Turin 36 years ago. By treating penalties as a rigid science rather than a lottery, their players became masters in absorbing pressure and compartmentalising their task. But such certainties dissolved under a flawless New England sunset, with Germany bundled out of this tournament in a fashion that felt like an inversion of natural law.
The significance of this result will reverberate far and wide. Manager Julian Nagelsmann is unlikely to live it down, having presided over a softening of the national team's mentality. While he is only 38 and under contract until 2028, this crushing experience threatens to define his tenure. He insisted he would not quit, but it is hardly his decision to make, especially given the groundswell of support in Germany for the idea of Jürgen Klopp taking over. Since lifting the trophy in glorious style in 2014, putting seven past hosts Brazil and beating Lionel Messi 's Argentina in the final, their World Cup results have fallen off a cliff. They have now not won a single knockout game in 12 years.
Germany's recent World Cup form has been poor and that continued this year - Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Few expected them to stitch a fifth star on the shirt this time. The class of 2026 was a pale imitation of previous vintages, with a group-stage loss to Ecuador already sounding the alarm. Against Paraguay, making a first World Cup appearance since 2010, any presumption of being winners-in-waiting evaporated. First came the jolt of the South Americans' smash-and-grab goal, and then the disintegration of all composure once penalties arrived.
Truly, the shoot-out was improbable to the point of hallucinatory. Paraguay were given three separate invitations to seal the win before José Canale finally provided the unforgettable ending, firing past Manuel Neuer to cue delirium in Asunción and devastation in Berlin. It was Havertz, for all his insouciance, who faltered first, as Orlando Gill made him wait an age to take his penalty and disrupted him mentally. With Maurício, Gustavo Gómez and Matías Galarza all converting nervelessly before Woltemade's shot was saved, the Paraguayan coaching staff began charging onto the pitch in celebration.
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Their revelries were premature, as Antonio Sanabria hooked his effort wildly wide. Incredibly, Fabián Balbuena spurned a second chance. But when Tah sliced his kick somewhere into the ionosphere, Canale was ready to play the hero. Germany fell to their knees. In one sense, they were unfortunate, having suffered from referee Jalal Jayed's highly dubious decision to rule out Tah's headed goal in extra time, on the grounds that Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill in the build-up. It did not remotely meet the clear-and-obvious threshold, and when Nagelsmann made that point from the touchline, he was booked.
It is a stretch to think that the controversy will save him. For Germany, there is a grisly sense of history repeating. After their quest was derailed in 2018 by divisions within the team, and in 2022 by accusations of a holiday-camp atmosphere, it has run aground in 2026 as a consequence of sheer inadequacy. They enjoyed 80 per cent possession in the first half but achieved nothing with it, allowing Julio Enciso to head Paraguay ahead in a classic smash-and-grab.
Their body language looked defeatist, with many of their players simply shrugging and glaring at each other. At one point, Aleksandar Pavlovic passed the ball clean off the pitch. The signs were inauspicious, even if Havertz's equaliser kindled hope that everything would come right in the end.
That was a naive assumption against Paraguay, whose sheer obduracy carried them through. Gustavo Alfaro's team would win few accolades for artistic merit, having cultivated an approach against more subtle opponents of simply camping out in their own half. But it worked for them brilliantly here, as they carved out a place in the last 16 by virtue of pure bloody-mindedness.
Julian Nagelsmann has said he will stay if the German Football Association want him to - Joosep Martinson/Getty Images
For Nagelsmann, a long, dark night of the soul awaited. Still he pledged to fight on, declaring: "I'm available. If the DFB [German Football Association] want me to stay until 2028, I will. If they don't, then I'll go. I'm not someone who runs away." It was an admirable display of commitment from a man whose heart must have been breaking. Defiance alone, though, is not enough in these circumstances. To be eliminated on penalties represents not merely a disappointment, but an affront to Germany's very sense of self.
12:59am
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Germany forward Kai Havertz
"I do not have much to say. This is now my second World Cup and we have missed moving onto the next round twice now in a row. I want to apologise for that. We are all very disappointed. We had many plans for this year's World Cup. It is not a very good feeling to disappoint again. The team tried a lot. One goal was disallowed. We had a very strong opponent; it was difficult to create chances and keep the pace. The Paraguayan team defended very deep and it was difficult to run for a long time. We tried to move over the flanks but unfortunately, it did not really work out. I do not think we deserved to win this time.
"I do not think we allowed many chances. We were on the ball, in the momentum, especially after the equaliser. We ended up in the shoot-out. It was not easy because I missed that penalty kick and it is a 50/50 chance. During the tournament, you really have to give it your all. I do not think we played bad football, but something was always missing and that was the case today as well. As players, we need to look at ourselves and what we can do better. We play for such a big football nation. If you get eliminated early, you do not deserve to stay."
12:57am
Creating history
12:54am
Dumped out
12:51am
Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez
"I think that what we are feeling right now is really hard to explain. I am really proud of my colleagues, of the team. We deserved one more game and to be honest. I think, considering everything that was said, everything we went through, what I want to highlight from my team is how united we are. We are incredibly strong.
"Today was a game where we needed to show our true colours as the Paraguayan team. Germany knew it would be really hard for them. They knew we would fight not to be defeated. We dedicate this to all the people of Paraguay."
12:51am
Neuer's international goodbye
The 40-year-old came out of international retirement for this tournament but is heading home and this is not the way he would have hoped his international career would have come to an end.
Germany dumped out of the tournament - Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
12:46am
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on the BBC
"It is hard to explain how Germany got into this tournament with so many problems; it is unacceptable. It does not look good for Julian Nagelsmann. In the last few months, he has not dealt with situations well. It did not take much and the sentiment changed."
Julian Nagelsmann is now under huge pressure - Nick Potts/PA
12:44am
Rare occurrence
Germany have historically been so good in penalty shoot-outs but it did not go their way this time. It is just the second time they have lost a shoot-out at a major tournament, with the last one coming all the way back in 1976, when they lost 5-3 to Czechoslovakia in the Euro final.
12:43am
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End of the road for Nagelsmann?
Will Julian Nagelsmann survive this exit? - Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
12:41am
Celebration time for Paraguay
One of Paraguay's greatest moments in their history - Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
12:38am
Germans right now
Nick Woltemade was one of the Germans to miss a penalty - Peter Cziborra/Reuters
12:37am
Paraguay's winning moment
Jose Canale scores the winning penalty for Paraguay - Peter Cziborra/Reuters
12:35am
How the shoot-out played out
12:34am
Up next
Whilst Germany head home, Paraguay can look forward to the last 16. They will play at 10pm on Saturday night BST in Philadelphia against either France or Sweden .
12:32am
Germany's last three World Cups since winning the 2014 edition
2018- out in the group stages
2022- out in the group stages
2026- out in the Round of 32
I think it is safe to say that Julian Nagelsmann is going to be under some pressure back in Germany. Will he hold onto his job? Will a certain German former Liverpool manager who is working for German TV out in the US be lined up to replace Nagelsmann?
12:28amVideo
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Germany knocked out of the World Cup
Canale steps up and smashes it into the back of the net. The four-time world champions Germany crash out at the Round of 32 stage. Paraguay cause an almighty shock and the noise will be deafening in Germany after their exit. There will though be huge debate surrounding Tah's controversial disallowed goal in extra time.
Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties.
12:28am
Tah misses (3-3)
Just as Germany get back in it, Tah blazes his effort well over the bar. Paraguay will now have another shot at knocking Germany out.
12:27am
Balbuena misses (3-3)
Former West Ham defender Balbuena was brought on with seconds remaining in extra time, presumably solely to take a penalty. However, Neuer makes a fine save to his left. Paraguay have now missed two opportunities to seal a spot in the last 16.
12:26am
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Amiri scores (3-3)
Amiri simply has to score to keep Germany in this and he delivers. Over to Paraguay again, who once more have a penalty to knock Germany out.
12:25am
Sanabria misses (2-3)
Sanabria has the chance to send Paraguay into the last 16 but misses the target. What a poor penalty as Germany cling on for now.
12:24am
Woltemade misses (2-3)
The Newcastle striker steps up and is denied by a fine save from Gill down to his left. It was a terrible run-up and not a great penalty. Paraguay are one penalty away from the last 16.
12:23am
Galarza scores (2-3)
What a calm penalty that is as he slots into the bottom left corner. Pressure? What pressure?
12:22am
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Musiala scores (2-2)
The Bayern Munich man could have been sent off late on in extra time so has he calmed down? Gill guesses the right way but Musiala does just enough to beat him.
12:21am
Gomez scores (1-2)
Now is the turn of Paraguay's captain, who is cool, calm and collected, slotting into the right corner.
12:20am
Kimmich scores (1-1)
Germany's captain sends Gill the wrong way and puts it into the bottom left corner.
12:20am
Mauricio scores (0-1)
The Paraguay number 11 puts it right into the right corner. Neuer went the right way but had not chance to saving that one.
12:18am
Havertz misses (0-0)
The Arsenal man has his penalty saved by Gill, who guessed the right way. A good save by Gill with his right arm above his head.
12:17am
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Time for penalties
So, here we go. A place in the last 16 will be decided by penalties. If Germany lose the shootout (not that they lose many!), that Tah disallowed goal will be spoke about a lot and rightly so!
The penalties will take place at the end where a lot of Germany fans are and Havertz will take the first penalty.
12:12am
End of extra time
We go to penalties to decide who advances to the last 16.
12:11am
121 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Amiri takes the free-kick but his effort hits the side netting.
Former West Ham man Balbuena is being brought on by Paraguay with just seconds remaining.
12:10am
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120 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Havertz is taken out by Galarza not far outside the Paraguay penalty area as we tick into two added minutes.
12:09am
119 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Germany have a late corner out on the right in what could be one of their final chances to win this game before penalties.
Brown finds Anton but the latter's header from inside the six-yard box is straight at Gill. That was a massive chance for Germany to win it there and then.
12:07am
117 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Musiala was booked for that foul on Galarza and just a few minutes later the favour is repaid.
12:06amVideo
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116 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
That is absolutely ridiculous from Musiala and he is lucky that he is not sent off for that stupid challenge. Musiala felt he should have had a free-kick moments before and then completely loses his head, flying into a challenge at full throttle on Galarza. Musiala was out of control and I do wonder if VAR should be taking a look at that. Musiala is shown a yellow card and is extremely fortunate that VAR is not intervening. That could so easily have been a red.
12:04am
114 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Paraguay are edging towards taking the four-time world champions Germany to penalties.
12:01am
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111 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Caballero times his challenge right on Brown inside the Paraguay penalty area but Germany have a corner. They will make a double change before that though as Thiaw and Amiri are on.
Kimmich's inswinger nearly creeps in but Gill tips it over for another corner. Brown's delivery is headed away.
11:58pm
107 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Paraguay have a corner out on the left with Tah booting it behind. Wirtz heads away from danger for Germany.
11:56pm
106 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Havertz is into the book.
11:55pm
Second half of extra time
We are back under way.
11:53pm
HT in extra time
Wirtz delivers another great cross from the left that picks out Havertz but Gill is able to gather the header at the second attempt. Havertz could and perhaps should have scored a hat-trick of headed goals from three excellent Wirtz crosses.
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Then the first period of extra time is brought to a close. We are potentially 15 minutes away from penalties. There is going to be plenty of debate about Tah's disallowed goal, especially if Germany go out.
11:49pm
105 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Four added minutes at the end of this first period of extra time.
11:48pmKey moments • Video
NO GOAL! Tah's effort ruled out
The referee is sent to the screen to look at a possible foul from Anton on Gill during that corner. This would be very soft if it is given as a free-kick. Anton barely influences Gill and really VAR should not be intervening in incidents like that. That is not enough to rule out a goal but the goal is indeed chalked off. Julian Nagelsmann cannot believe and you can understand his disbelief.
11:45pm
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GOAL! Tah heads Germany in front
They have been banging on the door and finally they break it down. For the first time in the game, Germany take the lead and take a giant leap towards the last 16. Brown's corner from the right finds Tah at the back post and the centre-back powers home a header past Gill.
But is this going to stand?
11:43pm
100 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Wirtz, as he has done on a number of occasions today, clips in a lovely cross from the left but none of his teammates are able to get on the end of it. Any touch probably would have sent it on target and likely would have resulted in a goal. Tah was closest to getting on the end of it.
11:42pm
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99 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Paraguay are making a double change as Sanabria and Ojeda come on.
11:41pm
98 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Rudiger's cross picks out Woltemade, who brings it down but his shot is blocked. It is blocked by Gomez's arm but was it deliberate? No penalty. Probably the short distance between Woltemade and Gomez is what saved Paraguay there from conceding a penalty.
11:37pm
94 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Caceres brings Wirtz down out on Germany's left and that gives Germany the chance to swing the ball into the Paraguay penalty area.
Kimmich takees but his delivery is punched away by Gill.
11:36pm
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92 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Canale makes two blocks in quick succession to deny Woltemade and then Kimmich.
11:33pm
Start of extra time
We are back under way for 30 minutes of extra time. This is the first game in the Round of 32 to go to extra time.
Paraguay have made a change as Velazquez has come on for Almiron . A defender on for a forward; a sign of how Paraguay are going to approach extra time?
11:28pm
End of normal time
The whistle goes and we are heading to extra time.
11:28pm
90+5 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Germany are pushing for a winner in the dying seconds.
11:26pm
90+3 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
The outswinging corner is swung in but Germany are awarded a free-kick.
11:25pm
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90+2 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Almiron's shot from range takes a deflection and goes behind for a late Paraguay corner.
11:24pm
90+1 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Brown takes the inswinger from the right and his delivery goes beyond the far post. The corner finds Tah but his header is straight at Gill.
11:23pm
90 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
There will be five added minutes and Germany have a corner out on the right.
11:21pm
87 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Germany are bringing on Newcastle striker Woltemade for Sane. Woltemade makes his first World Cup appearance.
11:19pm
86 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Wirtz's outswinging corner finds Goretzka at the near post. Goretzka flicks a header on at the near post towards the far corner but Anton is then penalised for being offside.
11:16pm
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84 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
The first two Round of 32 games were won with late goals so could we see the same in this one?
11:15pm
82 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Goretzka goes down inside the Paraguay penalty area but the appeals are turned down. Caceres did have his arms completely around Goretzka like he was hugging him but VAR does not intervene. That looked a decent shout.
11:12pm
80 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Wirtz this time takes and, like Sane a little bit earlier, his free-kick is blocked by the wall.
11:12pm
79 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Paraguay's ill-discipline is costing them as Germany have another free-kick in a dangerous position centrally not far outside the Paraguay box.
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Before the free-kick is taken, Anton replaces Pavlovic.
11:11pm
78 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Havertz has already scored with one header in this half and comes close to a second but this time Gill is able to deny him. Wirtz delivered the cross for Havertz's goal and delivered another great cross for Havertz there. Havertz perhaps should have scored there.
11:10pm
76 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Caballero fails to take advantage of a glorious one-on-one opportunity but his blushes are spared as he made the run too soon and was offside anyway.
11:07pm
74 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Sane cuts inside from the right and clips in a cross. Canale is the one to get his head on it and is not far off scoring an own goal but his keeper Gill is on hand to catch it.
11:03pm
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70 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Time for the second half hydration break.
10:59pm
66 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Sane is the one to take but his effort hits the Paraguayan wall.
10:59pm
65 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
The momentum has definitely swung in Germany's favour and they now have a free-kick not far outside the Paraguay penalty area. Cubas was the men penalised for the foul on Havertz and is booked for that challenge. It all then kicks off between Musiala and Galarza, stemming from a challenge a few minutes ago.
The free-kick is in a central position around 25 yards out. Kimmich, Wirtz and Sane are standing over it...
10:56pm
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63 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Undav is brought off and replaced by Musiala. Julian Nagelsmann made the call to replace Musiala with Undav today but it did not really work to great effect today.
10:51pm
58 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
Paraguay's goalscorer Enciso has come off having picked up a knock. Mauricio is on in his place.
10:49pm
56 mins: Germany 1 Paraguay 1
In the aftermath of Germany's equaliser, Paraguay have taken Avalos off and he has been replaced by Caballero.
Germany come close to scoring twice in quick succession but Goretzka's shot from inside the Paraguay penalty area is blocked.
10:47pmKey moments • Goals • Video
GOAL! Germany level through Havertz
Boy did Julian Nagelsmann's side desperately need that. Wirtz cuts inside from the left and whips in a delightful cross. He picks out Havertz, whose glancing header finds the bottom corner and Germany are on level terms.
Germany back on level terms - Peter Cziborra/Reuters
10:45pm
52 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 1
You can only imagine what those of a German persuasion are saying right now and the knives are being prepared in case these next 40 minutes do not go to plan.
10:43pm
50 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 1
That is nearly a horror moment for Germany as they come so close to gifting Paraguay a second. Kimmich's huge blunder inside his own penalty area is nearly punished by Paraguay's goal scorer Enciso but Neuer makes a crucial save. What was Kimmich doing with that terrible attempt at a back pass?
Paraguay close to going 2-0 up - Pilar Olivares/Reuters
10:41pm
48 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 1
I am not sure Paraguay could have dreamt of a better situation at this point of the game; they have the lead and can continue to sit back in their shape, frustrating the life out of Germany. Paraguay will look to play on the counter and will continue to put men behind the ball. For Germany, this is close to the worst-possible scenario.
10:38pm
Second half
We are back under way at Gillette Stadium, with Germany having work to do to avoid a major shock. Julian Nagelsmann's side are a bad 45 minutes from a bad exit.
Nagelsmann has decided to make a change at the break as Goretzka is coming on for Nmecha.
Germany were back out quite a while before Paraguay re-emerged.
10:32pm
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on the BBC
"You have all seen it now and it sums the team up. They have possession but do not find a way through. They always want to find a nice solution and it does not work; they have to take more risks and they are not going to progress much further if they play this way."
10:31pm
History for Neuer
10:30pm
The difference at the break
Julio Enciso's goal has Paraguay in front at the break - Peter Cziborra/Reuters
10:24pm
HT stats
Possession: Germany 79%-21% Paraguay
Shots: 5-3
Shots on target: 1-2
Corners: 6-2
Touches in opposition box: 14-5
It is all well and good dominating the statistics but the only stat that matters is the scoreline.
10:20pm
Half-time
The first half is brought to an end and, against the run of play, Paraguay lead 1-0 at the break thanks to Enciso's header.
10:20pm
45+4 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 1
This will probably be Germany's final chance of the half as Brown will take a corner out on the right. The inswinging delivery though is caught by Gill.
10:17pm
45+2 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 1
Germany come close to an equaliser. Nmecha's shot from the right side of the box takes a significant deflection off Canale and nearly ends up in the far corner.
The initial delivery comes to nothing but the ball has come for Sane on the far side. His delivery finds Havertz but the Arsenal man cannot guide his header towards goal before Kimmich's shot is saved.
10:15pm
45 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 1
There will be five added minutes at the end of this first half.
10:12pmKey moments • Goals • Video
GOAL! Enciso heads Paraguay in front
Against the run of play, Paraguay take the lead with their first proper venture forward since the opening minutes of the game. Almiron finds Galarza making the overlapping run, with the latter then putting in the cross from the right. He picks out an unmarked Enciso, who heads into the back of the net from ten yards out.
Paraguay have taken the lead despite barely threatening in this first half - Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
10:10pm
39 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Tah's long ball over the top looking for Wirtz is headed behind by Caceres for a Germany corner. Germany take it short but it comes to nothing. It has not quite clicked for Germany in the final third thus far.
10:04pm
34 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Germany are not playing with enough width. Paraguay are cramming pretty much all 10 of their outfield players into the middle of the pitch but Germany are not utilising the wide areas enough. There are too many bodies through the centre for Germany to play through and against a low block there is no space in behind.
10:02pm
32 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Germany have had over 80% possession but are yet to register a shot on target. They need to speed up their passing and movement in the final third against this low block of Paraguay.
09:59pm
29 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Sane is played in behind after a delightful ball from Kimmich. He is inside the Paraguay penalty box with Paraguay keeper Gill a long way out of his goal. Sane cannot capitalise on the opportunity but the offside flag has gone up against him anyway.
09:56pm
26 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
During the hydration break, Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer was played. Jon Bon Jovi has a close friendship with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and has been often seen in Kraft's box here at Gillette Stadium during Patriots home games.
09:53pm
23 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Time for the hugely popular (not!) hydration break.
09:52pm
22 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
You can see from an absolute mile off that Paraguay want a bit of needle in this game and are trying to rile Germany up. Germany do not want to be getting sucked into that type of game that is very stop-start.
09:49pm
19 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Paraguay are sat deep in their shape, looking to frustrate Germany and then counter. That is their way and Germany need to be precise to cut through. Germany probably need to up the tempo as they have not created too many opportunities thus far.
09:46pm
16 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
As was very predictable going into this one, Germany are completely dominating possession.
09:38pm
8 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Wirtz cuts inside from the left and clips a delightful cross towards the far post. Havertz looked like he was going to have a tap-in but Canale steps in with a crucial interception. It goes behind for a corner, which Kimmich takes. The delivery goes beyond the far post, where Tah heads it back across goal. It is headed out to the edge of the box, where Wirtz smashes it first time but the shot misses the target.
Important block from Jose Canale with Kai Havertz lurking behind - Brian Snyder/Reuters
09:36pm
6 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
Undav has Germany's first effort of the game. Wirtz's pass into the box on the left finds Havertz, who lays it back into the path of Undav. The former Brighton striker, who is into the Germany starting XI today in place of Musiala, tries to lift it over the Paraguay keeper Gill into the far corner but misses the target.
Gomez is now back on for Paraguay.
09:34pm
4 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
This is a concern for Paraguay as centre-back Gomez appears to have hurt his knee. Sunderland defender Alderete is named amongst the substitutes but is not expected to be fit enough to play today. The medical staff are summoned but Gomez is back to his feet after some treatment.
09:32pm
2 mins: Germany 0 Paraguay 0
A very early corner for Paraguay as Enciso's shot from the left side of the box takes a deflection. Enciso will go out to take and clips it to the back post. The delivery picks out an unmarked Alonso, who takes one touch before shooting but the contact on the effort is not the best and it is a simple save for Neuer. An early scare for Germany.
Early chance for Paraguay - Pilar Olivares/Reuters
09:30pm
Kick-off
We are under way at Gillette Stadium. Will it be Germany or Paraguay to book a place in the last 16?
09:26pm
Reminder of the teams
Germany:Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger; Sane, Pavlovic, Nmecha. Brown; Havertz, Wirtz; Undav.
Substitutes: Baumann, Nubel, Anton, Goretzka, Leweling, Musiala, Woltemade, Gross, Beier, Stiller, Amiri, Raum, Thiaw, Ouedraogo.
Paraguay:Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Almiron, Cubas, Bobadilla, Galarza; Enciso, Avalos.
Substitutes: Fernandez, Olveira, Velazquez, Alderete, Balbuena, Sosa, Sanabria, Mauricio, Romero, Arce, Ojeda, Caballero, Pitta, Maidana.
09:23pm
Anthem time
It is a warm day in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is just over 20 miles outside of central Boston. Both squads emerge into the sunshine for the national anthems. Germany's Deutschlandlied followed by Paraguay's Tetã Paraguái Momorãhéi .
Nearly time for kick-off at Gillette Stadium - Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
09:19pm
Undav starts
The former Brighton striker is given the nod by Julian Nagelsmann today having scored three goals and registered two assists off the bench during the group stages.
Deniz Undav starts ahead of Jamal Musiala - Michael Reaves/Getty Images
09:16pm
Almiron back
The former Newcastle man returns from suspension having become the first player in World Cup history to be sent off for covering his mouth. In case you missed it, here it is:
09:14pmAnalysis
The force of Klopp
Jurgen Klopp's force of personality has been creating problems for Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's head coach. It is not just his strident opinions on MagentaTV that have triggered national debate, with his call to start Stuttgart's Denis Undav in place of Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala drawing widespread agreement, as the sense that he would be the overwhelmingly popular choice to take over Die Mannschaft should Nagelsmann stumble. That impression grew following Klopp's curious recent claim that the 38-year-old was only in post "for now" – a remark for which he later apologised.
09:12pm
Keep up-to-date with the knockouts
09:10pm
Ranking the last 32
Our very own Thom Gibbs has had his say on the final 32 teams left in this World Cup and here is where he had these two sides in his rankings:
32. Paraguay (up 13)
The bloated format always seemed likely to generate some curious qualifiers from the group stage, and Paraguay remain in contention for the biggest prize in football despite a middling start: heavy defeat by the United States, a narrow win over Turkey and a mutually convenient draw with Australia. You would be brave to back them against Germany.
9. Germany (down 5)
Showed ominous signs of storm-weathering and recovering bad positions against Ivory Coast in a 2-1 win, then looked comfortable sitting deep and counter-attacking at speed when level with Ecuador , but became haphazard once behind. Should see off Paraguay, but France next looks intimidating.
09:07pm
Two teams already into the last 16
Both Round of 32 games have been won right at the end of normal time. Yesterday co-hosts Canada beat Mexico 1-0 in Los Angeles whilst in the last hour Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston, with Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli scoring a late winner in added time. Will it be Germany or Paraguay to join Canada and Brazil in the last 16?
09:03pm
Could you pull off the Lederhosen?
A flavour of home - Pilar Olivares/Reuters
08:58pm
On crutches and in a moon boot
Not a sight Germany fans will like seeing. Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury and that could be a costly blow for Julian Nagelsmann's side in the knockout stages.
Nico Schlotterbeck will play no further part in the tournament - Peter Cziborra/Reuters
08:52pm
Get your fix
08:48pm
Jurgen Klopp in Boston
The former Liverpool manager is working for German TV during this World Cup and caused a bit of a stir back in his homeland earlier in the tournament when he suggested Deniz Undav should be starting ahead of Jamal Musiala. Well, Julian Nagelsmann has made that exact decision today.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in attendance at Germany's game with Paraguay - Martin Rickett/PA
08:44pm
Fancy a flutter?
08:40pm
Team news in full
Julian Nagelsmann has decided to bring Deniz Undav into his starting XI, replacing Jamal Musiala. Nathaniel Brown returns from injury.
Germany:Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger; Sane, Pavlovic, Nmecha. Brown; Havertz, Wirtz; Undav.
Substitutes: Baumann, Nubel, Anton, Goretzka, Leweling, Musiala, Woltemade, Gross, Beier, Stiller, Amiri, Raum, Thiaw, Ouedraogo.
Former Newcastle man Miguel Almiron is back for Paraguay but Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez is missing with his own suspension.
Paraguay:Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Almiron, Cubas, Bobadilla, Galarza; Enciso, Avalos.
Substitutes: Fernandez, Olveira, Velazquez, Alderete, Balbuena, Sosa, Sanabria, Mauricio, Romero, Arce, Ojeda, Caballero, Pitta, Maidana.
08:36pm
Atmosphere building
Germany are heavy favourites coming into tonight's game - Brian Snyder/Reuters
Paraguay are big underdogs and arguably have nothing to lose - Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
08:31pm
Support for those affected by earthquakes in Venezuela
More than 1,000 people have died in Venezuela due to the earthquakes - Brian Snyder/Reuters
08:28pm
Results in the group stages
Germany:
June 14- Germany 7 Curacao 1June 20- Germany 2 Ivory Coast 1
June 25- Ecuador 2 Germany 1
Paraguay:
June 13- USA 4 Paraguay 1June 20- Turkey 0 Paraguay 1
June 26- Paraguay 0 Australia 0
08:24pmKey moments
Paraguay team
08:21pmKey moments
Germany team
08:20pmKey moments
Who will book their place in the last 16?
A place in the World Cup last 16 is at stake at Gillette Stadium as Germany take on Paraguay. These nations have met competitively once before, which came in the last 16 at the 2002 World Cup, which Germany won 1-0 thanks to Oliver Neuville's late winner as they made the final that year.
Germany won their opening two games in Group E to secure top spot with a game to spare. They then fell to defeat to Ecuador in their final group game but had already sealed top spot going into that match. This will in fact be Germany's first World Cup knockout game since lifting the trophy back in 2014 having been eliminated at the group stage in both 2018 and 2022.
"They [Paraguay] are an uncomfortable opponent for us," Nagelsmann said in his pre-match press conference. "In qualification they conceded very few goals. They are going to ask a lot of us. It is a do-or-die match. The boys will bring their A-game. We have to be patient. It is a team which defends well and they stay compact. They have good players and strong physical players. We need a perfect performance.
Germany play their first World Cup knockout game in over 10 years - Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
"If you win everything is perfect, if you lose everything is s---. We work well together and I think we can show how well we play as a unit. I do not feel like I need to prove anything to anyone. I just try to support my players. All we can do is prepare well. We all want to do it better than we did against Ecuador."
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the tournament but Nagelsmann is set to welcome back Nathaniel Brown from injury.
Paraguay were thrashed 4-1 by co-hosts USA in their opening game but took four points from their next two games, beating Turkey before drawing with Australia, to secure their spot in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed finishers. Having not qualified for the previous three tournaments before this one, they did reach the quarter-finals back in 2010, when they lost 1-0 to eventual winners Spain , which was their best-ever showing at a World Cup. They welcome back former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron from a ban but Brighton's Diego Gomez is suspended due to picking up two yellow cards during the group stages.
The winner of this match will play either France or Sweden in the last 16. Team news to follow shortly.
