Gustavo Gómez: “Germany knew that, if they wanted to beat us, they had to sweat blood”

Paraguay has secured a historic place in the World Cup Round of 16, stunning Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout. The team's captain, Gustavo Gómez, expressed immense pride in his teammates' performance, describing the achievement as a testament to the group's incredible unity and resilience.

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I believe the feeling is hard to explain. I am very proud of my teammates, of the group. I think in the last interview I said that this group deserved another game. And the truth is that we, with all the situations, with all that was said... We, regardless of anything, I rescue from the group the unity. This group has incredible strength to face any situation.

"I believe the feeling is hard to explain. I am very proud of my teammates, of the group," Gómez said after the match. He reflected on previous comments about the team deserving another chance, emphasizing that they overcame various situations and criticisms by sticking together. "This group has incredible strength to face any situation."

Gómez detailed the mindset that propelled Paraguay against the European powerhouse. "Today was a match where we had to be Paraguay more than ever," he stated. He conveyed that Germany understood the difficulty of the task, anticipating a fierce contest. "Germany knew that if they wanted to beat us, they had to sweat blood; that we were going to sell defeat, but very, very dearly."

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Today was a match where we had to be Paraguay more than ever. I think that deep down Germany knew that if they wanted to beat us, they had to sweat blood; that we were going to sell defeat, but very, very dearly. And nothing, just dedicate this triumph to all the people of Paraguay: to me, to my families, to all the Paraguayan people. Because, as I have also said, I believe that the national team has been giving tremendous happiness to the country for a few months.

The captain dedicated the victory to the people of Paraguay, noting the immense happiness the national team has brought to the country in recent months. He underscored the team's commitment, stating, "In every game, in every training session, we push ourselves too hard." Gómez attributed the team's success to hard work, humility, and a constant drive to improve, values he believes are foundational for the future of Paraguayan football.

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And that is what we do: in every game, in every training session, we push ourselves too hard. I think the foundation of this group is work, humility to recognize mistakes and always try to improve.