What happened overnight
Germany fell already in the first knockout round. The clash with Paraguay in Boston ended 1:1, and the South Americans prevailed 4:3 on penalties — the first-ever shootout defeat for Germany at a World Cup. Defender Jonathan Tah had a goal disallowed in extra time after a VAR review for a teammate's foul on the goalkeeper, then he himself blazed his penalty over the bar in the shootout, and José Canale converted the decisive spot kick. Coach Julian Nagelsmann sees no reason to leave despite the elimination and wants to continue, while Paraguay declared a national holiday after advancing. Die Zeit ↗ BBC ↗The second favorite suffered the same fate. The Netherlands led Morocco in Monterrey through a goal by Cody Gakpo, but Issa Diop equalized, and after a goalless extra time the shootout went 3:2 in Morocco's favor. The reigning African champions and 2022 Qatar semifinalists advanced to the round of 16, where Canada awaits them on Saturday in Houston. The team of coach Ronald Koeman, one of the title contenders, surprisingly bows out already in the round of 32. Der Standard ↗ Aktuálně.cz ↗
Brazil confirmed its favorite status only with great difficulty. Japan led through a strike from Kaishu Sano, Casemiro equalized after the break, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli decided the progression with a goal in the 95th minute for a final 2:1. Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the resilient opponent. He preferred to rest star player Neymar, who had only recently returned to the squad. The five-time world champions are through to the round of 16. Süddeutsche Zeitung ↗ HN ↗
Czech reckoning: coach Koubek steps down
The biggest Central European consequence of the tournament unfolded off the pitch. Czech national team coach Miroslav Koubek (74) resigned on Monday by agreement with FAČR chairman David Trunda. The Czech Republic, which had returned to the World Cup after twenty years via the playoffs, winning penalty shootouts against Ireland and Denmark in Prague, was eliminated already in the group stage with just one point from three matches. Koubek linked his departure not only to the result but also to a "media campaign" and "half-truths" directed at him. In the Czech Republic, debate has already begun about a successor — the name Pavel Nedvěd is being mentioned again, along with the possibility of a foreign coach. iROZHLAS ↗ iDNES ↗Who plays today
Tuesday, June 30, times in CEST:19:00 Ivory Coast – Norway (Arlington) — the winner will face Brazil in the round of 16.
23:00 France – Sweden (East Rutherford, MetLife Stadium).
Wednesday, July 1, 3:00 Mexico – Ecuador (Mexico).
After two penalty dramas the previous night, the biggest tension is promised by tonight's showdown between France and Sweden. HotInfo will again bring a roundup of results and the schedule for the next matchday tomorrow morning. TASR ↗
