At Foxborough, Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 in the shootout after a tense encounter ended 1-1 following extra time. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero for the South American side, producing two crucial saves during the penalties to send Paraguay into the next round.

The result marks one of the most memorable victories in Paraguay’s World Cup history and ends Germany’s campaign far earlier than many expected.

Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso headed home from a cross delivered by Matias Galarza following a move initiated by Miguel Almirón. Germany responded shortly after halftime as Kai Havertz converted a header from Florian Wirtz’s cross to level the score.

Germany appeared to have found a winner in extra time when Jonathan Tah scored from a corner in the 102nd minute. However, a video review ruled the goal out after officials determined that Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the build-up.

Despite dominating possession for long periods and controlling nearly 78 percent of the ball in the opening half, Germany struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive setup. The European side, which had scored freely during the group stage, found clear chances difficult to create when it mattered most.

The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot. Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty, while Gill’s heroics ensured Paraguay advanced at Germany’s expense.

Speaking after the victory, Gill credited extensive preparation for the result, saying the team had carefully studied every opposing player before the match. His performance earned him the Superior Player of the Match award.

The win also carried historical significance. Paraguay avenged its 2002 World Cup defeat to Germany, when the Germans won 1-0. It was also another landmark knockout achievement for Paraguay, which previously recorded its first World Cup knockout victory against Japan via penalties in 2010.

Meanwhile, five-time champions Brazil needed a dramatic late winner to overcome Japan in Houston.

The match appeared headed for extra time before substitute Gabriel Martinelli delivered the decisive moment. Introduced during the second half, Martinelli scored in the sixth minute of injury time to secure a 2-1 victory and send Brazil into the Round of 16 for the 20th time in World Cup history.

Brazil’s latest triumph extends its remarkable record of consistency on football’s biggest stage and keeps alive hopes of a sixth world title.

The Seleção will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the next round as they continue their pursuit of another World Cup crown.

Elsewhere, Morocco joined Paraguay and Brazil in advancing after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. Following a tightly contested match, Morocco held its nerve from the spot to claim a 3-2 shootout victory.

The North African side will now prepare for a Round of 16 clash against Canada on July 4.

Tuesday’s results produced a dramatic shift in the knockout bracket, with Germany becoming the latest major nation to exit the tournament. Paraguay’s upset victory, Brazil’s last-gasp winner and Morocco’s shootout success ensured another memorable day at the FIFA World Cup.