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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage has arrived and has already delivered a trio of exciting matches to start off the Round of 32, including a massive upset of one of the top 10 teams.
In Monday's action, Paraguay, which advanced to this round from the same group that the United States Men's National Team won, defeated one of the favorites among potential contenders, Germany.
The thrilling win arrived after the two teams remained deadlocked at 1-1, bringing extra time. When neither team scored in that frame, the match would be decided on a penalty shootout. Germany's huge miss led to Paraguay connecting on their next penalty kick for the win, 4-3 on penalties.
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"Incredible start to the knockout rounds. Last minute winner for [Canada], last minute winner for [Brazil], penalty shootout win for [Paraguay]! How could you not love this sport?!?" retired USMNT star Landon Donovan, now an analyst and commentator for Fox Sports' World Cup coverage, wrote in his X message.
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Earlier in the day, Brazil found themselves in trouble early, as Japan's Kaishu Sano scored in the first half to take a 1-0 lead. However, Brazil's Casemiro answered with a goal in the second half to tie it, and Gabriel Martinelli scored in the final minute of stoppage time to win the game.
The Round of 32 opened Sunday with Canada achieving a similar feat against South Africa. Stephen Eustaquio scored in stoppage time to achieve a 1-0 win as Canada advanced to the next round.
Germany's loss was particularly surprising and accompanied by some controversy. In extra time, Jonathan Tah seemingly scored a goal to make it 2-1 late and had Germany thinking they'd won.
However, after a German player made contact with Paraguay's goalkeeper, VAR disallowed the goal. That left the score tied 1-1 and ultimately led to Paraguay's sudden-death win courtesy of central defender Jose Canale.
Paraguay is the No. 34-ranked team in this year's World Cup and previously lost to the USMNT, 4-1, in group play. In the Round of 16, Paraguay will face the winner of tomorrow's France and Sweden match, bringing a formidable opponent for sure.
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