Paraguay and Morocco Advance on Penalties at World Cup
2026-06-30
Japan Falls to Late Brazil Comeback
The 19th day of the FIFA World Cup in North and Central America on the 29th, or the 30th in Japan time, featured round-of-16 matches in Houston and elsewhere. Paraguay booked a place in the last 16 after beating 2014 World Cup champions Germany on penalties. The match between the Netherlands and Morocco also went to a shootout, with Morocco advancing. Japan lost 2-1 to Brazil after conceding the winning goal in added time in the second half.
Brazil 2, Japan 1
Japan went ahead in the 29th minute when Sano intercepted the ball near the halfway line, carried it forward and scored with a mid-range shot. Brazil increased the pressure in the second half through substitutions and a change in formation, and Casemiro headed in a cross in the 56th minute to level the score. Martinelli struck the winner late in the match to complete Brazil's comeback. Japan battled with compact defence and pressing, but was overrun in the closing stages.
Germany 1, Paraguay 1; Paraguay win on penalties
Paraguay hung on until the end and prevailed in the penalty shootout. In the 42nd minute, Enciso headed in a sharp cross from the right to open the scoring. Germany equalised in the 54th minute when Havertz, who had headed a cross from the left back across goal, finished the move. Germany then kept up a heavy assault, but could not break down Paraguay, which was anchored by goalkeeper Gill. Germany had three players miss in the shootout.
Morocco advance after tight contest
The back-and-forth match also went to penalties, with Morocco coming out on top. In the 72nd minute, Schermebeli broke in behind the Morocco defence on the left and, while falling, delivered the final pass, which Gakpo converted to put the Netherlands ahead. Morocco equalised deep in added time in the second half when defender Diop headed in a sharp cross from the left at the death. The shootout also featured a series of fine saves and misses, leaving the contest finely balanced.
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