Shocking results at the FIFA World Cup round of 32 knock-out stage
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS — With both Germany and the Netherlands being placed in the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings, they were not able to make it to the last 16 as they were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stages. Being ranked in the top 10 of the FIFA World ranking for both teams, nothing less than a quarter-final was expected of the two nations.
Stephen Lahm, a German citizen and supporter at the FIFA World Cup, could not hide his disappointment after his country was eliminated in the round of 32.
This was because Paraguay pulled off a masterclass as they even broke the deadlock after scoring first, through a Julio Enciso opener in the 42nd minute to put Paraguay ahead in the first half. Early in the second half, Germany equalized through Arsenal’s danger man Kai Havertz to set the game 1-1. It was a cagey 2nd half with both keepers up to the task to make the match go into extra time. In the first half of the extra time, Germany thought they had won it after Jonathan Tah scored, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul on the goalkeeper in the build-up to the goal, taking the encounter into penalties.
Ismael Saibari after scoring the decisive goal that pushed Morocco through to the last 16 in Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe. on June 29, 2026 at 6:56 PM. Photo: Tushar Maamgain/NDTV
Morocco, on the other hand, was up to the task against the Netherlands in the other encounter. Netherlands managed to score in the 72nd minute through a superb Cody Gakpo strike in the 6 yard box. This changed the match as they thought they had won it, only to concede from a header twenty minutes later after Issa Diop left his defensive duties to go ahead and look for an equalizer. His effort was rewarded with a goal in the 92nd minute of the match, pushing the encounter into extra time.
The added thirty minutes of extra time could not come up with a winner. Just like the earlier results, the tie had to be decided on penalties. All four goalkeepers managed to save at least one each to keep their teams’ hopes alive, but it was Orlando Gill (Paraguay) and Yassine Bounou (Morocco) who took their teams into the last 16.
“We just have to accept and now watch other teams play in the tournament," said Stephen Lahm.”
It was a shocker to the teams and fans of the teams that were eliminated. Though both were tough encounters, this year’s World Cup tournament has managed to pull off some surprises, making it more interesting. With still a long way to go, we are expecting a lot more surprises as the knock-out stages are the most exciting parts of the tournament.