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Germany forward, Kai Havertz, has lamented his country’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the hands of Paraguay.

Havertz was one of the three players to miss a penalty, as they lost 4-3 in the shoot-out, after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Julio Enciso opened the scoring in the last-32 fixture, before Havertz headed in the equalizer.

The Arsenal man stepped up for the first penalty kick and saw his effort saved comfortably.

Nick Woltemade’s effort was also saved, before Jonathan Tah blazed over.

I’m speechless. My second World Cup, and we’ve messed up for the second time,” Havertz told reporters.

“The last few tournaments were a disaster. The only thing I can say is I’m sorry.

“We players need to take a long, hard look at ourselves. We’re playing for a huge country with a rich football history.”

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Brazil national football team staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Japan national football team 2-1, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner to send the five-time world champions into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Japan produced an impressive first-half display and stunned the Brazilians in the 29th minute through Kaishū Sano. The midfielder drove forward from the centre of the pitch before firing a low shot beyond goalkeeper Alisson Becker to hand his side a deserved lead.

Despite dominating possession before the break, Brazil struggled to break down Japan’s disciplined defence and went into half-time trailing 1-0.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti responded by introducing Endrick, whose arrival injected greater pace and urgency into Brazil’s attack.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced several outstanding saves to preserve his side’s advantage, but Brazil eventually found the equaliser shortly before the hour mark.

Veteran midfielder Casemiro rose above the defence to power home a header from a cross delivered by Gabriel Magalhães, bringing Brazil back into the contest.

The equaliser completely shifted the momentum in Brazil’s favour as they pushed relentlessly for a winner.

Vinícius Júnior came agonisingly close after seeing a superb effort tipped onto the woodwork, while Japan gradually retreated under sustained pressure.

Just when the match appeared destined for extra time, Bruno Guimarães delivered a pinpoint pass to Martinelli at the far post.

The Arsenal forward kept his composure and curled a precise finish in off the upright in the 96th minute, completing Brazil’s comeback and securing a place in the knockout stage.

The victory keeps Brazil on course for a potential meeting with Argentina national football team later in the tournament, while Japan’s search for a first competitive victory over Brazil continues.

The result also marked Brazil’s first World Cup victory after trailing at half-time since defeating Turkey national football team on June 3, 2002.

Brazil also dominated possession throughout the contest, completing 682 passes, with Gabriel Magalhães attempting 135 passes—the highest by any Brazilian player at this year’s World Cup.

The South American giants will now face either Norway national football team or Ivory Coast national football team in the Round of 16 as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.

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Manchester City finally confirmed Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

The former Chelsea boss left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day following a steep breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy and returns for his third spell at the Etihad.

Maresca, 46, walked away from a five-year deal worth £4million-a-season and was NOT sacked by the Blues board.

The five-week wait to announce the new boss was partly due to compensation talks with Chelsea.

City finalised a £17m compensation fee for the Italian last week, leaving the path clear for Maresca to join on a three-year deal.

He managed Chelsea for two years, helping to deliver the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup in his first season.

Maresca previously won Premier League 2 with the Man City second side and was Pep Guardiola‘s assistant during their brilliant Treble-winning 2022/23 season.

Maresca said: “Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.

“City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.

“This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations. The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.