Brazil Edge Japan in Extra-Time Thriller
Five-time champions Brazil secured their place in the round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Japan. Gabriel Martinelli scored a clinical finish in the sixth minute of added extra time, set up by Bruno Guimaraes, to snatch the win. Japan had taken the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano's stunning strike from the edge of the box. Casemiro equalised in the 56th minute with a header, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki denied Vinicius Jr. This marked the first time since 1978 that Brazil won a knockout match after trailing at half-time.
According to Opta Analyst, Casemiro became the second-oldest Brazilian goalscorer in World Cup history at 34 years and 126 days, behind only Bebeto (34 years and 137 days in 1998). Bruno Guimaraes, with four assists in the tournament, is closing in on Pele's record for most assists by a Brazilian in a single World Cup edition.
Germany's Penalty Heartbreak Against Paraguay
Germany's post-2014 World Cup struggles continued as they were eliminated in the round of 32 for the first time, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay. This was Germany's first ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat, having won all previous four. Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the 42nd minute, but Kai Havertz equalised 12 minutes later. In extra time, Germany thought they had won when Tah headed home from a corner in the 101st minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled that Waldemar Anton impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty for Paraguay.
Germany have now conceded in each of their last 10 World Cup matches, their worst run without a clean sheet. Their last clean sheet was the 2014 final against Argentina. Manuel Neuer, who came out of international retirement, has struggled to keep clean sheets. According to OptaJoe, this was only Germany's second penalty shootout defeat at a major tournament, the first being the 1976 European Championship final against Czechoslovakia. The result is one of the biggest knockout upsets, with Germany ranked 10th and Paraguay 41st in the FIFA rankings.
Netherlands Fall to Morocco on Penalties
The Netherlands suffered a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco after a 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo, playing after the personal tragedy of a miscarriage, scored a crucial 72nd-minute strike. However, Issa Diop equalised just before full-time. In the shootout, Bart Verbruggen saved one penalty, but Yassine Bounou saved two for Morocco. Ismael Saibari, who scored in every group match, netted the decisive penalty. Gakpo now has six World Cup goals, tying him with legends Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder, Rob Rensenbrink, Arjen Robben, and Robin van Persie. The all-time Dutch leading scorer is Johnny Rep with seven goals.
Looking Ahead
Morocco will face Canada in the round of 16 on July 4. The winners of other round of 32 matches will determine Brazil's and Paraguay's opponents in the next round. The tournament has seen two top-10 nations eliminated in the first knockout round for the first time.
