KABUL (Pajhwok): Morocco and Paraguay produced major surprises in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage by eliminating strong opponents Netherlands and Germany through penalty shootouts, while Brazil secured a hard-fought victory over Japan to continue their campaign.
Morocco advanced to the next round after a dramatic battle against the Netherlands. The two sides were level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, sending the match into a penalty shootout. Morocco remained calm under pressure and won 3-2 on penalties to complete a memorable victory over the European side.
The Moroccan defence showed strong resilience throughout the match, while their goalkeeper made crucial contributions during the shootout. The victory sparked celebrations among Moroccan supporters and brought an end to the Netherlands’ World Cup run.
In another stunning result, Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany after a closely contested encounter. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, but Paraguay showed greater composure in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3 to secure a place in the next round.
Germany created several opportunities and controlled large parts of the game, but Paraguay’s disciplined defending and fighting spirit helped them achieve one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Meanwhile, Brazil overcame a strong challenge from Japan with a 2-1 victory in an entertaining match. Japan impressed with their attacking style and determination, but Brazil’s experience and quality helped them find the decisive goal.
The win kept Brazil’s World Cup hopes alive, while Japan exited the tournament after delivering a competitive performance against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
The knockout stage has already provided unforgettable moments, with penalty shootout dramas and surprise eliminations adding further excitement to the world’s biggest football tournament.
sa
