Dire Germany Beaten On Penalties By Paraguay After Goal Chalked Off

FOXBOROUGH, June 30 (Bernama-dpa) -- Four-time winners Germany suffered another early World Cup exit when they were eliminated in the last 32 on penalties by Paraguay following a lacklustre 1-1 draw on Monday, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. 

Kai Havertz shot straight at goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the first kick of the shoot-out, while Nick Woltemade also saw his penalty saved and Jonathan Tah blasted over the bar as Paraguay won 4-3 on spot-kicks. 

Jonathan Tah's powerful header on 102 minutes had looked to have booked the Germans' passage. But referee Jalal Jayed of Morocco was sent to the monitor by the video assistant and decided Waldemar Anton had fouled keeper Gill.

The touch between the player and keeper was minimal as the corner came in, but Orlando went down and that was enough for the officials.   

Julio Enciso's bullet header on 42 minutes - amid almost no pressure from Germany's defenders - had given Paraguay the lead on a rare foray forward.   

Paraguay's low block was difficult to penetrate in hot conditions near Boston, but Germany also lacked guile or invention.

They eventually levelled when Havertz glanced in Florian Wirtz's cross on 54 minutes and the game went to extra-time and penalties.

It means a third early elimination in a row at World Cups for once mighty Germany, who at least reached the knock-outs for the first time since their last triumph in 2014. 

Paraguay face favourites France or Sweden in the last 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia. Les Bleus take on the Scandinavians on Tuesday. 

-- BERNAMA-DPA