World Cup Nights: Germany crash out on penalties to Paraguay, Martinelli rescues Brazil, Morocco knock out the Netherlands

A heart-stopping night of World Cup drama and major shocks. In Houston, Ancelotti's Brazil came from behind to beat Japan thanks to Gabriel Martinelli on 90'+5' (2-1). But the headlines belonged to the shootouts: Paraguay eliminated four-time world champions Germany (1-1, 4-3 on pens), while Morocco knocked out the Netherlands (1-1, 3-2 on pens) to join Canada in the last 16. From tonight, Italian time, it's Ivory Coast-Norway, France-Sweden and Mexico-Ecuador.

It all started in Houston, where Brazil flirted with disaster before escaping at the death. Japan went ahead on 29' through a fine Kaishu Sano strike, the midfielder pouncing on a short back-pass, and they protected the lead with discipline until half-time. After the break the Selecao stepped it up: on 56' Casemiro headed Gabriel Magalhaes' cross into the far corner for 1-1. Then, just as extra time looked inevitable, Gabriel Martinelli settled it: played in by Bruno Guimaraes, he curled home a right-footed winner on 90'+5' for a 2-1 that books the Round of 16. For Carlo Ancelotti's side it was a hard-earned but hugely valuable passage.

But it was the spot-kicks that lit up the night. At Boston's Gillette Stadium, Paraguay toppled Germany: Julio Enciso headed the Albirroja in front on 42', Kai Havertz equalised with a header on 54', and in extra time the Germans had a Jonathan Tah goal chalked off by VAR for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The shootout finished 4-3 to Paraguay: Gill saved, Havertz, Woltemade and Tah all missed, and Jose Canale buried the decisive penalty. The four-time world champions are out - the biggest upset of the tournament so far. Same script in Monterrey, where Morocco knocked out the Netherlands: Cody Gakpo had broken the deadlock after the break, but Issa Diop headed home on 90'+1' and, after a frantic extra time - including a stunning Verbruggen save to deny Rahimi - Yassine Bounou pushed away Summerville's penalty and Ismael Saibari sank the Oranje for a 3-2 win.

The verdicts carry weight. Julian Nagelsmann's Germany go out amid controversy: the coach long protested the disallowed Tah goal and insisted he wants to stay on and rebuild. On the other side, Paraguay savour vindication for Gustavo Alfaro, criticised for his defensive choices and for the 4-1 opening-day loss to the United States, and now the man who sent a heavyweight home. Morocco, surprise semi-finalists in 2022, confirm their status as Africa's great hope and join Canada in the last 16. A special mention for Gakpo: his goal, scored just days after a grave family bereavement, carried a human weight far beyond the pitch.

From tonight, Italian time, the bracket takes further shape with three more verdicts. It starts at 19:00 with Ivory Coast-Norway in Arlington: at stake is a date with Brazil, who await the winner in the Round of 16 (5 July at the New York-New Jersey Stadium). At 23:00 the MetLife Stadium hosts France-Sweden, a heavyweight clash between one of the favourites and a stubborn, well-drilled side. And at 3am Italian time the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City stages Mexico-Ecuador: the hosts, roared on by their crowd, chase a place in the last sixteen. Morocco, meanwhile, already know they will face Canada in Houston on Saturday 4 July.

On we go, one night at a time. See you tomorrow at dawn.

TransferBeat aggregates transfer news citing the original sources. Developing story.