The Round of 16 knockout match of the 2026 World Cup got underway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. At the end of the first half, Germany and Paraguay were separated by a 1-0 scoreline, with the visitors holding the lead.
In the 42nd minute, Garraza delivered a brilliant final pass, and Julio Enciso finished calmly to put Paraguay ahead. It was also the only moment in the first half when either side turned a chance into a goal.
From possession and progression data, Germany dominated almost entirely, with 79% possession, 342 passes and 308 completed — nearly four times Paraguay's 93 passes. Germany entered the opponent's final third 50 times, completing 102 of 130 touches in that area for a 78% success rate. However, their expected goals stood at just 0.14, and they failed to create any clear-cut chances.
Despite holding only 21% possession, Paraguay posted 0.25 expected goals and created two clear-cut chances, one of which Enciso converted. Germany had 14 touches in the penalty area to Paraguay's five, but the visitors enjoyed superior shot quality: three shots inside the box to Germany's two, and two shots on target to one. Three of Germany's five shots came from outside the box, with long-range efforts failing to truly threaten the goal. Kimmich produced one shot with an expected goals value of 0.51 — Germany's closest attempt on goal.
Two offside decisions disrupted Germany's rhythm, with Havertz and Sané each flagged offside once. Germany took five shots to Paraguay's three, with one blocked attempt apiece. Junior Alonso also missed one clear-cut chance but did register one shot on target, underscoring Paraguay's selective threat on the counter.
In duels and off the ball, Paraguay won 70% of one-on-one battles and also led in interceptions and clearances, using compact defending to squeeze Germany’s space in key areas.
At 0-1 at half-time, Germany need to improve their finishing in the second half, while Paraguay will continue to rely on a low block and quick transitions to wear down their opponents.
