Enciso Scores but Wirtz Equalizes for Germany in World Cup

Paraguay took a surprise lead against Germany in their World Cup round-of-32 match, but the four-time champions responded quickly. Julio Enciso's looping header at 42 minutes put the Albirroja ahead, only for Florian Wirtz to equalize before halftime.

The goal came against the run of play, as Germany had dominated possession. Miguel Almirón's footwork created space for Matías Galarza, whose cross found Enciso unmarked at the far post. The 22-year-old forward nodded past Manuel Neuer, who set an unwanted record: Neuer has now conceded in 10 consecutive World Cup matches, the longest such streak in tournament history, according to statistician Míster Chip Source: elcolombiano.

Paraguay's sixth goal of the tournament for Enciso (in 37 international appearances) was the product of a well-worked move that began with Damián Bobadilla winning the ball in midfield Source: infobae. Under coach Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay had already shown resilience in South American qualifying, beating Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

Germany entered the match as group winners, while Paraguay advanced as third in their group. The early lead gave Paraguay hope, but Germany's quality soon told with Wirtz's equalizer, leaving both sides level at the break.