Paraguay declares national holiday after World Cup upset of Germany

A carnival atmosphere swept through Paraguay's major cities as the national football team, the Albirroja, secured a historic victory against Germany and advanced to the World Cup's round of 16. President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday to commemorate the achievement, writing on X, "Paraguay never gives up. National holiday, caraj..." The law allows the president to declare up to three holidays annually, though the official publication was pending.

“

Paraguay never gives up. National holiday, caraj...

Thousands of fans filled the central Palma street, near the Pantheon of Heroes, celebrating the win that sets up a match against the winner of the France-Sweden game. Amado Salomón, a 58-year-year-old banker, described the team's performance as "defending with their soul" throughout the match and extra time. He noted that despite Germany's possession, they couldn't break Paraguay's strong defense, and goalkeeper Orlando Gill's crucial saves in the penalty shootout secured the win.

“

Paraguay made what it does best: defending with its soul throughout the entire match and also in extra time. Germany had the ball, looked everywhere, but could never break the strength of this team. Then came the penalties, where a huge goalkeeper appeared and also that dose of character that Paraguay always has in decisive moments. This team never stops fighting. It defends every ball as if it were the last and plays with a commitment that is emotional.

Luis Espínola, a 61-year-old hotelier, reflected on the characteristic Paraguayan "suffering until the last minute," which he sees as part of their identity and competitive spirit. He praised the Albirroja's ability to neutralize Germany's attack, score at the right moment, and defend intelligently. Espínola also highlighted goalkeeper Orlando Gill's heroic performance in the penalty shootout, calling it a "historic qualification."

“

With Paraguay, you have to suffer until the last minute. It's part of our identity, our way of competing and understanding football. Today, that suffering turned into immense joy. Paraguay eliminated a four-time world champion and is among the best in the tournament. An unforgettable night for all the Paraguayan people.

Fans hailed the victory as more than just a sporting triumph, emphasizing that Paraguay, with organization, sacrifice, and a strong collective spirit, could overcome footballing giants. The win against a four-time world champion is etched in the memory of the Paraguayan people as an unforgettable night.

“

When the team needed it most, he appeared with personality and composure to become the great hero of the penalty shootout and seal a historic qualification.