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International press hails Paraguay's World Cup upset of Germany
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

International press hails Paraguay's World Cup upset of Germany

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • International media outlets highlighted Paraguay's historic World Cup victory over Germany, with a focus on tactical strategy and goalkeeping heroics.
  • Argentinian and Spanish press praised Paraguay's performance, calling it a "dream" and "utopia," while European media framed it as a major upset and Germany's "catastrophe."
  • The win, secured in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, was widely reported as the first major surprise of the World Cup's knockout stage.

Paraguay's stunning World Cup victory over four-time champion Germany reverberated across global sports media, with headlines emphasizing the Albirroja's tactical prowess and the heroic performance of goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The dramatic win, clinched 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, was immediately hailed as the first significant upset of the tournament's knockout phase.

Another impossible utopia by Alfaro's Paraguay: they eliminated Germany on penalties.

— OléArgentinian sports daily's headline on Paraguay's victory.

In Argentina and Spain, media outlets celebrated Paraguay's achievement. Olé in Argentina dubbed it "another impossible utopia by Alfaro's Paraguay," while Clarín highlighted Gill as the "hero in the penalties" who helped Paraguay advance. Infobae called the qualification a "historic feat." Spanish newspapers like El País noted Paraguay's elimination of a "dull Germany" in penalties, marking the first major surprise of the World Cup's elimination rounds. El Mundo framed it as Paraguay's "American dream" triumphing over Germany.

Gustavo Alfaro's Paraguay made history in the 2026 World Cup: Orlando Gill was the hero in the penalties to eliminate Germany and reach the round of 16.

— ClarínArgentinian newspaper highlighting the goalkeeper's role.

European media, however, focused on Germany's unexpected exit. Madrid's ABC newspaper declared, "Germany crashes out of another World Cup." From the United States, the tournament's host nation, North American portals acknowledged the logistical and statistical impact of eliminating a powerhouse like Germany. The Athletic, The New York Times' sports section, pointed out a significant statistic related to the match, underscoring the magnitude of the upset.

Paraguay eliminates a dull Germany on penalties to sign the first major feat in the World Cup qualifiers.

— El PaísSpanish newspaper's take on the match outcome.

The international reaction underscores the significance of Paraguay's performance, with coach Gustavo Alfaro's tactical approach and Gill's crucial saves drawing widespread international acclaim. The victory not only advances Paraguay but also sends shockwaves through traditional footballing powerhouses.

Germany crashes out of another World Cup.

— ABCMadrid-based newspaper's commentary on Germany's elimination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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