Flashscore brings you the most exhilarating moments from the World Cup in our daily highlights feature. Here’s a recap of day 19 after a brief intermission!

The Headlines

The day’s standout story unfolded at Boston Stadium on Monday, where Paraguay, finishing third in Group D, executed a breathtaking upset by eliminating Germany in a heart-stopping penalty shootout.

After a tense 1-1 draw, during which the South Americans showcased their defensive prowess, they fought hard to take the match to penalties. The drama unfolded in captivating fashion.

With Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade both having their penalties brilliantly saved by Orlando Gill, Paraguay found themselves presented with two golden chances to clinch the shootout victory. However, both Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena, who was brought on specifically for this moment at the 120th minute, were unable to convert, leading to a sudden death scenario.

When Jonathan Tah stepped up next, he sent his shot soaring over the bar, handing Jose Canale the golden opportunity to win the match. Canale seized the moment without hesitation, delivering one of the most shocking results in World Cup history, marking Germany's first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.

Paraguay is now set to face either Sweden or France for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.

The final match of the day also ended in penalties, with Morocco emerging victorious over the Netherlands, winning 3-2 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Cody Gakpo provided an emotional opener, scoring just days after announcing the tragic loss of his unborn son, before Issa Diop leveled the score for Morocco with a header in second-half stoppage time.

As the match progressed to penalties, Morocco demonstrated their dominance throughout the 120 minutes. The Africans struck the woodwork twice, while the Netherlands managed one, leading to a sudden death shootout after both teams successfully converted four penalties.

Bono expertly anticipated Crysencio Summerville’s shot, allowing Ismael Saibari to send his team into the round of 16 as they pursue another successful World Cup campaign, just three-and-a-half years after their remarkable semi-final run.

Earlier in the day, a dramatic stoppage-time goal spared Brazil's blushes against Japan, as the Selecao secured their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory in Houston.

Japan threatened to cause an upset early on with a brilliant strike from Kaishu Sano. They held firm for most of the match, but Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute, followed by Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal that dashed Japan's hopes.

Goal of the Day

The most aesthetically pleasing goal of the day was undoubtedly the first one.

Sano skillfully intercepted the ball in midfield, evaded Casemiro's challenge, and surged to the edge of the box, firing a shot past a diving Alisson into the bottom corner.

This spectacular goal came out of nowhere and ignited hope for Japan, though it ultimately proved to be in vain.

Player of the Day

Despite Brazil's impressive roster of attacking talents, it was a defender who truly stood out during their narrow victory over Japan.

Gabriel earned an impressive 9.1 rating in Flashscore's player rating system, largely thanks to his exquisite assist for Casemiro's equalizer—a stunning cross to the back post that perfectly set up the midfielder.

He also excelled defensively, winning seven of ten duels, completing 130 of his 135 passes, and successfully executing all his tackles.

Photo of the Day

We take a moment to highlight this captivating image from Annegret Hilse.

Rayan celebrates with the Brazil squad, striking a pose reminiscent of the iconic photograph of Brazilian legend Pele after winning the 1970 World Cup.

Will the Bournemouth forward replicate that historic moment 56 years later?