Paraguay stuns Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

Paraguay produced one of the greatest World Cup upsets, defeating Germany 4-3 on penalties to advance to the last 16. Coach Gustavo Alfaro lauded his players for an "extraordinary" performance that defied expectations against a favored opponent.

“

I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone. It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites.

The match was a tense affair from start to finish, with Paraguay executing a game plan designed to stifle Germany's attacking prowess. "The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding spaces and playing their game," Alfaro stated. He acknowledged the physical toll of the contest, noting the high temperatures and the constant effort to recover and close down spaces.

“

The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding spaces and playing their game.

Despite a dramatic shootout where Paraguay missed kicks that could have secured victory earlier, goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves. "It seems if we don’t suffer, it doesn’t count," Alfaro remarked about the dramatic conclusion. This victory marks only Paraguay's second World Cup knockout match win, and they now face a potential tie against tournament favorites France.

“

It seems if we don’t suffer, it doesn’t count. The shootout was dramatic, going to the sixth penalty.