European drama at the World Cup: Germany's shipwreck against Paraguay and the Netherlands' elimination against Morocco
The two European selections fall in the round of 32 after two knockout matches decided on penalties
BarcelonaThe round of 32 of the World Cup has left two of the tournament's biggest surprises with the eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands. Paraguay has beaten the mannschaft on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes of play between regulation time and extra time, and Morocco also forced extra time with a goal in added time against the Dutch and also ended up winning from the penalty spot, which unleashed euphoria among North African fans.
Germany 1 - 1 Paraguay (3-4)
In Boston, Paraguay has achieved one of the World Cup's great feats and, so far, the main surprise. Julio Enciso put the South Americans ahead before halftime, but Kai Havertz equalized the match at the start of the second half. Germany dominated a good part of the duel and even saw VAR disallow a goal from Jonathan Tah in extra time, but ultimately did not find the winning goal.
The match thus reached a penalty shootout, in which goalkeeper Orlando Gill became the Paraguayan hero with two decisive saves. Furthermore, Tah sent his shot wide. All of this before José María Canale converted the final penalty that certified the Germans' elimination.
Netherlands 1 - 1 Morocco (2-3)
The other big surprise has arrived in Monterrey. The Netherlands were close to qualifying after Cody Gakpo's goal in the 71st minute, but Issa Diop equalized in added time with a header that sent the match into extra time.
With no goals in the thirty extra minutes, qualification was also decided in the penalty shootout, in which goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as a hero. Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty and gave Morocco their ticket to the round of 16, where they will face Canada.
