Paraguay shocked the football world by eliminating Germany in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday, winning 4–3 on penalties after a tense match. It was the first time Germany had ever lost a World Cup shootout, and the victory sparked celebrations across Paraguay, with the president declaring a national holiday.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was the hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah sent his spot-kick over the bar. Paraguay's Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena also missed from the spot, but Gill's heroics ensured his side prevailed. The 26-year-old said he had analyzed every detail of Germany's penalty takers before the shootout.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro called his players' performance "extraordinary." The win sends Paraguay into the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco clash. The Netherlands and Morocco meet in Guadalajara on Tuesday to determine their opponent, with both sides having impressed in the group stage.
Germany's early exit is a major blow for the two-time World Cup champions, who have now lost a World Cup knockout match in consecutive tournaments. Paraguay, meanwhile, continue their dream run as the tournament's surprise package, with fans reveling in a result that few predicted.
"I will never forget this night," Alfaro said after the match. Gill added: "We believed in ourselves. That was the key."