Paraguay produced arguably the best World Cup upset as Germany was defeated 4-3 on penalties within the final 32.
Revealed On 30 Jun 2026
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his gamers for producing an “extraordinary” efficiency after beating Germany on penalties to safe a spot within the World Cup final 16 on Monday.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, however Kai Havertz equalised, and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would finally scrape by means of in additional time.
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Nonetheless, Jonathan Tah had a objective chalked off, and Paraguay gained 4-3 in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two essential saves.
“I skilled it with nice depth, like everybody,” stated Alfaro.
“It was a match stuffed with pressure from begin to end as a result of we knew we have been dealing with one of many major title contenders, a rival of monumental high quality who, beforehand, have been favourites.”
Alfaro stated his workforce executed the sport plan successfully, limiting Germany’s capability to impose their type.
“The gamers understood completely what the match required and put in an enormous effort to forestall Germany from discovering areas and enjoying their recreation,” he stated.
He acknowledged the bodily toll of the competition, pointing to the demanding circumstances on a scorching day in Massachusetts.
“It’s true we lacked sure issues, however the calls for of the match have been very excessive. The temperature was excessive, and the fixed effort to recuperate and shut down areas usually left us with much less power to assault,” Alfaro added.
Germany had by no means earlier than misplaced a World Cup shootout, however Paraguay held their nerve, even after Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed kicks that will have secured victory.
Even that, Alfaro felt, was a part of Paraguay’s identification.
“It appears if we don’t undergo, it doesn’t depend. The shootout was dramatic, going to the sixth penalty,” he stated, earlier than dedicating the win to supporters.
“This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us.”
Paraguay gained a World Cup knockout match for under the second time. Their reward is a possible date with match favourites France, if Didier Deschamps’ facet can get previous Sweden on Tuesday.
Enciso, who performs for Ligue 1 facet Strasbourg, acknowledged the problem forward however stated he was assured Paraguay can hold their surprising run going.
“They’re an excellent workforce, with gamers of the very highest stage. No want to call them – they’re stars. They win the whole lot, and we’re going to arrange to face them as such,” stated Enciso, who got here off with an harm within the second half.
“We even have our personal strengths, and with our type of play, we’re going to attempt to make issues tough for any opponent.”
A win within the subsequent spherical would permit Paraguay to match their finest World Cup outcome. They reached the quarterfinals in 2010 earlier than shedding to a late objective in opposition to eventual champions Spain.
Enciso attributed Paraguay’s victory over Germany to the workforce’s fearless mentality.
“We revered them lots as a result of we knew their gamers. They’ve some excellent gamers. However we’re not afraid of anybody,” he stated.
