Substitute Jose Canale stepped forward and struck the decisive penalty with ice-cold composure, sending Paraguay into the World Cup round of 16 after one of the most stunning upsets the tournament has seen in years.

Players sprinted across the pitch and collapsed into one another in a jubilant heap. In the stands, Paraguay supporters of every generation wept openly, voices rising in chants of Vamos! that rang around the stadium.

After 120 breathless minutes of tension and controversy, La Albirroja had done the unthinkable — eliminating four-time champions Germany in their first World Cup knockout fixture since 2014.

A historic defeat for Germany

The result was seismic on both sides. Germany suffered their first World Cup exit on penalties, having previously won all four shootouts they had contested at the tournament. It was also only their second penalty shootout defeat at a major competition, following their loss in the Euro 1976 final.

Germany had dominated every measurable statistic, enjoying 75 percent possession, completing 719 passes to Paraguay's 161, and registering 21 shots to their opponents' seven. None of it mattered in the end.

In the shootout, Germany went first but never led. Kai Havertz missed their opening kick, and Nick Woltemade was also denied. Paraguay themselves squandered two chances to close it out before Canale held his nerve to convert the winner.

Alfaro's resilient side defy the odds

The result reflects the remarkable transformation overseen by 63-year-old Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro, who took charge six games into qualifying and lost just once in his next 12 matches, guiding Paraguay to the finals with relative comfort.

Paraguay arrived at this World Cup as the joint-lowest scoring side in qualifying, averaging only 0.78 goals per game — yet their defensive resolve and collective spirit proved decisive when it mattered most.

Defender Gustavo Gomez struggled to find words after the final whistle.