Paraguay’s remarkable World Cup campaign gathered fresh momentum on Monday after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany, prompting head coach Gustavo Alfaro to describe his team’s display as “extraordinary”.
Against one of the tournament favourites, Paraguay showed discipline, resilience and composure to earn a 1-1 draw before edging the four-time world champions 4-3 on penalties in Foxborough, sealing a memorable place in the last 16.
The South Americans struck first through Julio Enciso, whose first-half goal rewarded a confident opening spell. Germany responded after the break when Kai Havertz found the equaliser, setting up a tense contest that stretched into extra time.
Germany thought they had completed the turnaround when Jonathan Tah found the net, but the effort was ruled out, leaving the match to be settled from the penalty spot.
There, goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero. His two crucial saves proved decisive as Germany suffered their first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.
For Alfaro, the result reflected months of preparation and complete commitment from his players.
“I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone,” Alfaro said after the match. “It was a game full of tension from beginning to end because we knew we were facing one of the strongest contenders for the title.”
The Paraguay manager praised his squad for executing a carefully planned defensive approach against a side packed with attacking talent.
“The players understood perfectly what the match demanded,” he said. “They worked incredibly hard to stop Germany from finding space and playing the football they wanted.”
Alfaro also acknowledged the demanding conditions, saying the high temperatures in Massachusetts drained his team’s energy, particularly during long spells without possession.
“The physical demands were enormous. The heat made every recovery run more difficult, and that often left us with less energy when we attacked.”
Even the shootout, he admitted, followed a familiar script for his team.
After Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena both missed opportunities to seal victory earlier in the shootout, Paraguay eventually prevailed in sudden death.
“It seems that if we don’t suffer, it doesn’t count,” Alfaro joked. “This qualification belongs to every Paraguayan who believed in us.”
Historic achievement
The victory marks only the second time Paraguay have won a knockout match at a FIFA World Cup, adding another memorable chapter to one of the competition’s biggest surprises.
Their reward could be a meeting with tournament favourites France, provided Didier Deschamps’ side overcome Sweden in their Round of 32 tie.
Enciso, who scored Paraguay’s opener before leaving the pitch with an injury, said the squad respects the challenge ahead but will not be intimidated.
“They are an outstanding team with world-class players,” he said. “Everyone knows the quality they have.”
But the young forward insisted Paraguay’s belief has carried them this far.
“We also have our own strengths. We will prepare well and try to make life difficult for whoever we face.”
Fearless approach
Paraguay’s confidence has become one of the defining stories of this World Cup. The team has built its campaign on disciplined defending, relentless work rate and an unwillingness to be overawed by bigger footballing nations.
Enciso said that mentality made the difference against Germany.
“We respected them because we know the quality of their players,” he said. “But we are not afraid of anyone.”
Another victory would equal Paraguay’s best World Cup performance, matching the quarter-final run they achieved in 2010 before falling to eventual champions Spain.
For now, though, Alfaro’s side can savour one of the most significant wins in the country’s football history, a performance built on courage, discipline and belief against one of the game’s traditional giants.
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