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Germany Falls to Paraguay on Penalties, Matthäus Cites Family Distraction

7/2/2026

46 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026.
Former captain Lothar Matthäus said the squad treated the World Cup as a free family trip, hurting focus.
Matthäus reported that some players’ families received airline tickets while others booked commercial flights, creating tension.
The defeat marked Germany’s first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout and set up Paraguay’s Round of 16 match against France.

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Story summary

Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026.
Former captain Lothar Matthäus said the squad treated the World Cup as a free family trip, hurting focus.
Matthäus reported that some players’ families received airline tickets while others booked commercial flights, creating tension.
The defeat marked Germany’s first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout and set up Paraguay’s Round of 16 match against France.