Morocco and Paraguay booked their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after dramatic penalty shootout victories over the Netherlands and Germany respectively, while Brazil secured a late comeback win over Japan to continue their title pursuit.
The results concluded another action-packed day of knockout-stage football, with two matches decided on penalties and one settled by a stoppage-time winner.
Brazil Edge Japan with Late Martinelli Winner
Brazil fought back from a goal down to defeat Japan 2-1 at Houston Stadium, avoiding what would have been their earliest World Cup exit in six decades.
Japan stunned the five-time champions in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted possession near midfield before firing a low strike into the bottom corner.
Brazil responded through Casemiro, who headed home the equaliser, before Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli sealed victory in the closing moments of regulation time. Bruno Guimarães created the decisive goal with a clever pass after drawing defenders with a feint, allowing Martinelli to score via the inside of the post.
Brazil now progress to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Côte d’Ivoire versus Norway fixture.
Paraguay End Germany’s Perfect Shootout Record
Paraguay eliminated Germany after prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium, ending Germany’s previously flawless record in FIFA World Cup shootouts.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead with a well-timed header despite facing much taller defenders. Germany responded through Kai Havertz, who redirected Florian Wirtz’s cross into the net.
Germany appeared to have completed the comeback when Jonathan Tah headed home, but the goal was disallowed, forcing extra time and ultimately penalties.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks before José Canale converted the decisive penalty after Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer briefly revived his side’s hopes with crucial saves.
Paraguay advance to face the winner of the France versus Sweden encounter in the Round of 16.
Morocco Beat Netherlands in Another Penalty Thriller
Morocco continued their reputation as penalty specialists by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw at Monterrey Stadium.
The Dutch looked set to progress after Cody Gakpo gave them the lead, but Morocco struck dramatically in stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home a deserved equaliser.
Neither side could find a winner during extra time, sending the match to penalties.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again proved decisive, saving two penalties after his heroics at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen managed one save.
Morocco converted three penalties to secure victory and advance to a Round of 16 meeting with Canada.
The latest results reinforce the unpredictable nature of this year’s World Cup knockout stage, with penalty shootouts once again proving decisive as several traditional football powers exited the tournament.