The day Maldini ignored Chilavert, benched "Pipino," and doomed Paraguay against Germany

The 2002 World Cup continues to stir memories for Paraguayan football fans, particularly one infamous match against Germany. The game, part of the 2026 North American World Cup knockout stage, is remembered for a baffling technical decision by then-coach Cesare Maldini that dashed Paraguay's hopes.

“

As children, we want to live without violence, play and study with tranquility. However, in Sinaloa, violence has become a monster that haunts us every day, where criminal groups and constant armed confrontations have kept us mired in fear and uncertainty.

Nelson "Pipino" Cuevas had been the hero of Paraguay's group stage, scoring two vital goals to secure a dramatic comeback victory against Slovenia. With his form soaring, fans and media widely expected him to start against a formidable German team, which would eventually reach the final. However, Maldini, the Italian strategist, opted to bench the in-form striker.

The decision stunned journalists and supporters alike. Even José Luis Chilavert, the team's captain and undisputed leader, reportedly pleaded with Maldini to include Cuevas in the starting lineup, or at least bring him on earlier. The coach, however, remained resolute, a stance that ultimately proved costly.

“

In my municipality, the fear of crossfire has on several occasions robbed us of the opportunity to attend school, violating our right to education. Even more serious, violence has claimed the lives of dozens of defenseless girls and boys, who, like us, had dreams they could no longer fulfill, leaving hundreds of families mired in pain and desolation.

Paraguay held Germany to a tense 0-0 draw for most of the match. But in the 88th minute, Oliver Neuville scored the decisive goal for Germany. In a move perceived by many as a mere formality or even a mockery, Maldini finally brought Cuevas onto the field in the 90th minute, just as the game was effectively lost. The decision remains a painful, albeit nostalgic, point of discussion for Paraguayan football enthusiasts.

“

Children do not want to grow up with fear; we want to grow up with hope, we want to study, play, live with our families, and achieve our dreams. I am convinced that if we all do our part, we can build a better Sinaloa and Mexico, where peace is stronger than war and violence.