Brazil survive late scare as Paraguay upsets Germany

Brazil’s momentum from their group stage success nearly evaporated in the face of a disciplined Japanese side. Suno opened the scoring in the 29th minute, forcing Ancelotti to recalibrate his tactical approach. The breakthrough for the South Americans finally arrived in the 56th minute when Casemiro connected with a Gabriel cross. With the game drifting toward extra time, Martinelli capitalized on an assist from Bruno Guimarães, burying a strike into the bottom corner to secure a narrow victory.

In contrast, Germany’s exit was defined by a chaotic penalty shootout. After Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into the lead, Kai Havertz responded with an equalizer shortly after the break. A late goal by Jonathan Tah was disallowed, pushing the match into a tense extra-time period. Both teams faltered during the spot-kicks, missing two apiece to reach a 3-3 deadlock. After Tah sent his final effort over the crossbar, Jose Canally converted the decisive penalty to seal Paraguay's progression. Brazil now prepares for a match against either Ivory Coast or Norway, while Paraguay faces the winner of the France-Sweden tie.