Germany were 45 minutes from World Cup elimination this evening after being frustrated by a classic smash-and-grab performance from Paraguay in Foxborough.
The South Americans had barely ventured into the Germany half during a largely dour first period but claimed a stunning half-time lead three minutes before the break when Julio Enciso nodded past Manuel Neuer.
Germany had 79% possession in a one-sided encounter but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was not called upon to make a save of note as Paraguay defended superbly on the edge of their own area.
Paraguay start and end first half strongly
The half started and finished with a Paraguay chance, Junior Alonso failing to turn home Enciso’s first-minute corner from the left after finding himself completely unmarked at the far post.
Germany survived and started to boss the game in midfield with Joshua Kimmich pulling the strings.
But a chronic lack of creativity saw their endeavours come to nothing as time after time, they squandered possession or tossed a ball into the box that was gobbled up by Paraguay’s rugged central defenders.
Germany’s main attacking threats, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz and Leroy Sane were largely anonymous with Paraguay looking relatively comfortable.
And having taken the sting out of Germany the South Americans then applied the sucker punch approaching the break.
From a recycled corner, the ball was slipped to Matías Galarza and his inch-perfect cross was perfect for Strasbourg winger Enciso to head home.
