From Brazil's miracle to Germany's historic collapse: today's back pages

A stoppage-time winner from Martinelli sends the ‘Seleção’ into the quarter-finals, while Paraguay pull off the first great miracle by knocking out Germany on penalties in a frantic Tuesday.

Ancelotti and Martinelli rescue Brazil on the brink

The world sports press is saying it with one voice: Brazil suffered enormously, but they are through to the round of 16 after a dramatic comeback against Japan (2-1). Newspapers such as Marca and As highlight the ‘Seleção’s’ struggle, as they sealed qualification in the 95th minute thanks to a goal from Martinelli.

In Italy, Corriere dello Sport and Quotidiano Sportivo put the success down to the head coach, with headlines such as “Carlo the Magician” and “Brazil at Ancelotti’s feet”, praising how his second-half changes turned around a match that had become extremely difficult after Sano’s early goal.

Paraguay bring down the German giant on penalties

The tournament’s biggest shock has been delivered by Paraguay. Argentine newspaper Olé leads with a bold “GILLGIANTS”, praising the heroics of Paraguayan goalkeeper Gill in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout (4-3 after a 1-1 draw).

While Mundo Deportivo describes the result as the tournament’s “first major upset”, in Germany the Berliner Morgenpost reflects the huge national disappointment with a blunt headline about their team’s early exit against Gustavo Alfaro’s side.

Spain tune out the noise with Austria in mind

With the World Cup thrown into chaos by a string of upsets, the Spanish national team are keeping their feet on the ground ahead of Thursday’s crucial clash. Sport gives centre stage to Eric García, who warns of the danger posed by a tricky opponent: “Austria are going to be extremely tough.”

Along the same lines, Mundo Deportivo highlights comments from goalscorer Álex Baena, showing that Luis de la Fuente’s dressing room is fully focused and steering clear of any overconfidence.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.