Paraguay defeated Germany 5–4 on penalties in the Copa América final on Sunday, ending a 32-year trophy drought for the South American side after a VAR review overturned a red card that had given Germany a 2–0 lead. The match, played at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, was decided in the 90th minute when German referee Jesús Valenzuela disallowed a second yellow card against Paraguay’s Derlis González, sparking a penalty shootout.
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The victory marks Paraguay’s first major international title since 1979, when they won the Copa América under coach Ramón Díaz. Germany, who had led 2–0 with 10 minutes remaining, saw their hopes evaporate after VAR footage showed González’s second yellow card was incorrectly issued for a foul that did not exist. Paraguay’s Luis Suárez scored the decisive penalty, sending his team into jubilation.
The match had been a rollercoaster, with Germany dominating possession and creating chances, but Paraguay’s resilience in front of penalties secured their historic triumph.
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The turning point came in the 90th minute when González, already on a yellow card, was shown a second caution for a challenge on Germany’s Florian Wirtz. The initial decision stood until VAR intervened, revealing the referee had misjudged the contact. The overturned red card nullified Germany’s advantage, forcing the shootout.
“It was a nightmare for us,” said Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala in a post-match interview. “We were so close, and then VAR changed everything. It’s frustrating, but you have to respect the process.”
Paraguay’s goalkeeper, José Rodríguez, made two crucial saves, including stopping Jamal Musiala and Niclas Füllkrug, before Suárez’s penalty sealed the win.
The decision was controversial, with German players and coaches immediately questioning the referee’s initial call. However, FIFA’s protocol on VAR reviews upheld the overturned red card, stating that the contact did not meet the criteria for a second yellow.
Paraguay’s 47-Year Trophy Drought Ends Under Coach Berizzo’s Leadership
Paraguay’s triumph is the first Copa América title for a nation outside South America since Uruguay in 1995. The victory also ends a 47-year wait for a major international trophy, with their last success coming at the 1979 Copa América.
The win is particularly significant for coach Eduardo Berizzo, who took over in 2023 and transformed a team that had struggled in recent years. Paraguay’s defense, led by captain Antonio Sanabria, was impervious in the shootout, while their attacking trio of Suárez, Román Álvarez, and Brian Montenegro delivered under pressure.
For Germany, the loss is a bitter blow after a strong tournament run, including a 2–0 win over Argentina in the semifinals. The team had been favorites to win their first Copa América since 2016, but the VAR drama and penalty shootout proved decisive.
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- The triumph will boost their FIFA rankings, potentially securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifying path.
- The team will now look to maintain momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where they will compete in Group A alongside Japan, Spain, and Costa Rica.
- Coach Berizzo, who has been praised for his tactical flexibility, may face increased pressure to replicate this form in World Cup qualifiers.
- The defeat will reignite debates about their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- The team will now focus on their 2026 World Cup campaign, where they will be in a tough group alongside Brazil, Portugal, and Canada.
- There may be calls for a review of VAR protocols in Copa América matches, given the controversy surrounding the final.
The VAR decision in the final has sparked debate about the role of video review in football. While FIFA’s protocol is designed to correct clear errors, the overturned red card in the 90th minute was a rare instance where a referee’s initial decision was reversed at such a late stage.
“It’s a difficult call, but VAR exists to correct mistakes,” said FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina. “In this case, the evidence was clear—the contact did not warrant a second yellow.”
However, some pundits argue that the late intervention disrupted the flow of the game and added unnecessary tension. The shootout format, while fair, often amplifies the drama of such moments, as seen in this final.
For now, Paraguay celebrates their first major trophy in nearly half a century, while Germany reflects on a tournament that ended in heartbreak. The VAR debate, however, will likely continue long after the confetti has settled.
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