Paraguay dump Germany out of World Cup on penalties

Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup, losing to Paraguay in a thrilling penalty shootout after it finished 1-1 after extra time. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade both had their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gill. But Paraguay twice missed chances to go through as Antonio Sanabria shot wide and Fabian Balbuena’s effort was stopped by 40-year-old Manuel Neuer. However, in sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed over for Germany before defender Jose Canale scored the decisive kick

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Ecuador edge Germany to reach knockouts

Ecuador produced a rousing fightback to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match in New Jersey to put themselves into the last 32 of the World Cup. Leroy Sane had fired Germany, who were already qualified as group winners, into an early lead at the MetLife Stadium, before Nilson Angulo soon had Ecuador level after nine minutes.

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Undav strikes late as Germany edge out determined Ivory Coast

Deniz Undav rescued Germany as his second-half double helped them come from behind to defeat Ivory Coast and book their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. The four-time winners were frustrated after going behind to a 30th-minute goal from Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie but Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of a response – and Undav delivered emphatically.

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Merciless Germany put seven past debutants Curaçao

Four-time winners Germany overcame a brief scare from World Cup debutants Curacao before turning on the style to win their Group E opener in Houston. Die Mannschaft went ahead in the sixth minute with the tournament’s earliest goal so far coming from a powerful curling effort from Felix Nmecha. But they were stunned by a leveller from Livano Comenencia. That proved to be a wake up call with the Germans showing no mercy as they pushed on for an emphatic victory.

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Aston Villa outclass Freiburg to win Europa League

Dominant Aston Villa dispatched Freiburg to win the Europa League and end a 30-year trophy drought. First-half stunners from Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia gave Villa control before Morgan Rogers’ strike sealed a second major European title 44 years after they won the European Cup. After falling short in the Conference League semi-finals and Champions League last-eight over recent times, Unai Emery brought European success back to Villa Park at the third time of asking.

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