Paraguay president 'applauds' national team despite World Cup exit

Paraguay's President Santiago Peña expressed national pride and support for the football team, stating that the entire country applauds their efforts despite their elimination from the World Cup.

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All of a country applauds them and awaits them with open arms. Thank you for representing our grit, our passion, and the spirit of a people that never gives up.

The Albirroja were knocked out after a narrow 1-0 defeat to tournament favorites France in the round of 16. The lone goal came from a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé in the 70th minute, following a foul within the box.

"All of a country applauds them and awaits them with open arms. Thank you for representing our grit, our passion, and the spirit of a people that never gives up," Peña posted on social media platform X. He referred to the players as "warriors" who made Paraguayans proud.

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France needed a penalty to break down an Albirroja that fought like a lion.

Vice President Pedro Alliana echoed these sentiments, noting that France "needed a penalty to break down an Albirroja that fought like a lion." He added that Paraguay leaves the World Cup "like a giant." The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Raúl Latorre, also commented that Paraguay "made the football powers tremble" during the tournament, celebrating the team's "courage, dedication, and pride."

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Today we do not celebrate a victory, but courage, dedication, and pride of a team that held our nation high.