Germany had never lost a FIFA World Cup™ shootout. They finally did after Paraguay eventually struck the euphoria-sparking spot-kick at the third time of asking, validating Orlando Gill’s heroics. The day’s second shootout was equally balmy. Yassine Bounou, the headliner as Morocco overcame Spain on penalties at Qatar 2022, was at it again, this time against the Netherlands. In the early kick-off, Brazil rallied off the ropes to KO Japan, Gabriel Martinelli grabbing an 11th-hour winner.

Brazil 2-1 Japan

Houston Stadium The Samurai Blue had the Seleção staring at failure to be among the final 16 for the first time in 60 years. Just before the half-hour, Kaishu Sano intercepted the adidas TRIONDA on the halfway line and buried it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Casemiro headed home an equaliser, but when Zion Suzuki’s reflexes – and the upright – denied Vinicius Jr a solo goal, extra time appeared on the cards. On its cusp, however, Bruno Guimares faked the shot and slipped in Gabriel Martinelli, whose strike went in off the inside of the upright. Brazil will now await the Côte d'Ivoire-Norway victors.

Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 PSO)

Boston Stadium

Julio Enciso’s mercurial feet were earmarked as a threat. The shortest player on the pitch, however, used his head, while in between 1.90m and 1.95m centre-backs, to plant La Albirroja ahead. The Germans used their own aerial prowess to equalise, Kai Havertz, with his back to goal, diverting Florian Wirtz’s cross into the bottom corner. After another header, from Jonathan Tah, was ruled out, the tie went to a shootout. Orlando Gill repelled two penalties in it to leave the Paraguayans all but through, only for Manuel Neuer to inspire a remarkable fightback. Finally, though, Jose Canale kept his cool to send Gustavo Alfaro’s charges through to a meeting with the France-Sweden winners.

Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (2-3 PSO)

Monterrey Stadium

The Netherlands were all but over the line. Cody Gakpo had responded to the worst moment of his life personally with its biggest goal professionally. Then, on the brink of the referee’s full-time whistle, Issa Diop headed home what was a deserved equaliser. After another 30 scoreless minutes, it was on to penalties. Bart Verbruggen repelled one. Yassine Bounou stopped two to send Morocco into a meeting with Canada. (FIFA, excluding headline)