Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, knocking out one of the tournament favorites, Germany, in a penalty shootout after a gritty 1-1 draw.

The historic victory also underscored one of the tournament’s defining storylines: South American teams consistently getting the better of their European counterparts.

Few gave Paraguay much of a chance before kickoff at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with many predicting a comfortable German victory. 

Yet some observers pointed to head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s struggles in front of goal and suggested that a disciplined defensive display could keep the South Americans in the game.

That proved to be exactly how the match unfolded. Germany dominated possession, controlling 79% of the ball in the first half, but failed to create any clear-cut chances. 

Paraguay, by contrast, made the most of its only........

© Buenos Aires Herald