Monday night delivered a series of dramatic World Cup knockout matches, with two European heavyweights—Germany and the Netherlands—exiting the tournament in penalty shootouts. Paraguay and Morocco both pulled off surprise wins from the spot, while Brazil needed a stoppage-time goal to overcome Japan.
Paraguay 1–1 Germany (Paraguay win 4–3 on penalties)
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, were the clear favourites against Paraguay, but they struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Paraguay took the lead just before half-time when Julio Enciso headed in Matías Galarza’s cross in the 42nd minute.
The Germans responded after the break: Florian Wirtz set up Kai Havertz, who headed the equaliser in the 54th minute. Extra time produced few clear openings, though a Jonathan Tah header that appeared to put Germany ahead was overturned by VAR for a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill—a decision that proved decisive.
In the shootout, Germany missed three penalties, losing 4–3. The result sparked immediate political commentary in Berlin; Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition faced criticism over the team’s early exit, with some linking it to broader national morale. The defeat also overshadowed Friedrich Merz’s earlier praise of the team, which drew backlash after the loss.
Netherlands 1–1 Morocco (Morocco win 3–2 on penalties)
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty to send the Netherlands out of the tournament after a 1–1 draw. The shootout was tied at 2–2 after four rounds when Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s attempt with his left hand. Saibari then slotted the winner into the low left corner as Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen dived the other way.
Cody Gakpo had put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, assisted by Summerville, and the Dutch bench rushed onto the field to embrace the 27-year-old, who broke down in tears. But Morocco’s Issa Diop equalised in the 91st minute, heading in a long cross from Chemsdine Talbi. Neither side created a strong chance in extra time.
The Netherlands had reached at least the round of 16 in eight previous World Cup appearances, including a quarterfinal four years ago. Morocco, ranked sixth in the world, had reached the semifinals in the previous edition. The Dutch exit marks their earliest elimination in recent memory and raises questions about the team’s direction under coach Ronald Koeman.
Brazil 2–1 Japan
Japan took a surprise lead in the first half when Kaishu Sano finished calmly from a quick counter-attack. Brazil improved after the break, and Casemiro headed in from a set-piece to level the score. The match appeared headed for extra time until Gabriel Martinelli produced a dramatic finish deep in stoppage time—a 96th-minute strike that completed Brazil’s comeback and sent them through 2–1.
For Japan, it was the third consecutive World Cup in which they held a lead in the knockout round only to lose. The result underlined Brazil’s persistence and depth, though the South Americans will need to tighten their defence ahead of tougher opponents.
What to watch on June 30
Elimination games continue on Tuesday with three matchups: France vs. Sweden, Ivory Coast vs. Norway, and Mexico vs. Ecuador. European fans will be watching closely as France and Norway look to join the quarterfinalists. For more on the tournament’s progress, see our coverage of Norway and England securing quarterfinal spots.
