Paraguay produced arguably the best World Cup upset as Germany was defeated 4-3 on penalties within the final 32.
Revealed On 30 Jun 2026
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his gamers for producing an “extraordinary” efficiency after beating Germany on penalties to safe a spot within the World Cup final 16 on Monday.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, however Kai Havertz equalised, and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would finally scrape via in further time.
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Nonetheless, Jonathan Tah had a aim chalked off, and Paraguay gained 4-3 in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two essential saves.
“I skilled it with nice depth, like everybody,” mentioned Alfaro.
“It was a match filled with rigidity from begin to end as a result of we knew we had been dealing with one of many principal title contenders, a rival of monumental high quality who, beforehand, had been favourites.”
Alfaro mentioned his staff executed the sport plan successfully, limiting Germany’s capacity to impose their model.
“The gamers understood completely what the match required and put in an enormous effort to forestall Germany from discovering areas and taking part in their recreation,” he mentioned.
He acknowledged the bodily toll of the competition, pointing to the demanding situations on a scorching day in Massachusetts.
“It’s true we lacked sure issues, however the calls for of the match had been very excessive. The temperature was excessive, and the fixed effort to get better and shut down areas typically left us with much less vitality to assault,” Alfaro added.
Germany had by no means earlier than misplaced a World Cup shootout, however Paraguay held their nerve, even after Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed kicks that might have secured victory.
Even that, Alfaro felt, was a part of Paraguay’s identification.
“It appears if we don’t endure, it doesn’t depend. The shootout was dramatic, going to the sixth penalty,” he mentioned, earlier than dedicating the win to supporters.
“This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us.”
Paraguay gained a World Cup knockout match for under the second time. Their reward is a possible date with event favourites France, if Didier Deschamps’ aspect can get previous Sweden on Tuesday.
Enciso, who performs for Ligue 1 aspect Strasbourg, acknowledged the problem forward however mentioned he was assured Paraguay can preserve their sudden run going.
“They’re an excellent staff, with gamers of the very highest degree. No want to call them – they’re stars. They win all the things, and we’re going to organize to face them as such,” mentioned Enciso, who got here off with an harm within the second half.
“We even have our personal strengths, and with our model of play, we’re going to attempt to make issues troublesome for any opponent.”
A win within the subsequent spherical would enable Paraguay to match their greatest World Cup end result. They reached the quarterfinals in 2010 earlier than dropping to a late aim towards eventual champions Spain.
Enciso attributed Paraguay’s victory over Germany to the staff’s fearless mentality.
“We revered them so much as a result of we knew their gamers. They’ve some superb gamers. However we’re not afraid of anybody,” he mentioned.
